Chemical compounds and use thereof for improving muscular quality

ABSTRACT

Chemical compounds and the therapeutic use thereof, in particular for improving muscular quality in mammals. More particularly, a method of improving muscular quality in sarcopenic mammals and treating and/or preventing sarcopenia using the chemical compounds and, in particular, sarcopenic obesity and the associated complications and/or pathologies thereof, such as loss of strength, muscle mass, performance and of physical and movement capacity. Also, a method of improving muscle quality in obese mammals and treating and/or preventing of obesity and associated complications and/or pathologies, advantageously type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, using the chemical compounds.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 15/311,967 filed Jan. 3, 2017, which is a § 371 application from PCT/FR2015/051332 filed May 20, 2015, which claims priority from French Patent Application No. 14 54538 filed May 20, 2014, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Reference to Electronic Sequence

The contents of the electronic sequence listing (seq.txt; Size: 1.41 kilobytes; and Date of Creation: Apr. 9, 2018) is herein incorporate by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to chemical compounds and to the therapeutic use thereof, in particular for improving muscle quality in mammals.

More particularly, the invention makes it possible to improve muscle quality in obese mammals.

The invention also makes it possible to improve the muscle quality of sarcopenic mammals.

The invention also relates to the use of these chemical compounds in the treatment and/or prevention of obesity in mammals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Muscle atrophy can result from several different causes: under nutrition, non-use of the muscles (for example immobilization following a fracture), cancer or other serious disease (heart or kidney failure) inducing cachexia, or resulting naturally from the aging of individuals (sarcopenia). This atrophy can result from a reduction in protein synthesis and/or from an increase in proteolysis and, as appropriate, is accompanied by fibrosis and/or by infiltration by adipose tissue. The identification of the factors and mechanisms controlling muscle protein synthesis and muscle proteolysis thus represents a prerequisite for designing appropriate treatments for these pathological conditions.

FIG. 1, which is part of the prior art, shows the principal pathways of protein synthesis and proteolysis in muscles (reconstructed according to Zhao et al., 2008 and Little et al., 2009).

Muscle protein synthesis is essential, and is essentially controlled at the translational level. It requires of course an adequate nutritional intake of amino acids. It is stimulated by physical activity and regulated by numerous factors, at the forefront of which are IGF-1 and androgens (Little et al., 2009).

TABLE 1 factors and molecules which act on protein synthesis and proteolysis in muscles Protein synthesis Proteolysis Factor Stimulation Inhibition Stimulation Inhibition Exercise + (+) Denervation − Fasting, anorexia − + Amino acids + − Insulin + − GH/IGF-1 + − FGF + + Vitamin D + Adrenaline + − Acetylcholine − Ocytocine + Apelin + Testosterone + − Estradiol + − Triiodothyronine + (T3) Myostatin − + TGFβ − + Follistatin − Angiotensin II − + Angiotensin-(1-7) − Glucocorticoids − + PIF − + IL-1β + IL-6 (−) + TNF-α, IFN-γ − + Anti-inflammatories −

Myofibril proteolysis is performed via the proteasome, while the mitochondria are destroyed by autophagy (Zhao et al., 2008). Satellite cell apoptosis mechanisms are also described (Murphy et al., 2010).

Myostatin, produced in an autocrine manner by the muscles themselves, represents a particularly important factor, since it acts both by stimulating proteolysis and by inhibiting protein synthesis. It also stimulates fibrosis (Li et al., 2008).

Aging is accompanied by a modification of the various regulatory factors (Walston et al., 2012): physical activity is often reduced, protein/vitamin nutrition may be insufficient and, following meals, the contents of circulating amino acids, an increase of which is required to stimulate protein synthesis, show a reduced increase that may be due to splanchnic sequestration (Boirie et al., 1997). Moreover, aging is accompanied by considerable hormonal modifications: an increase in myostatin (Leger et al., 2008), a reduction in androgens (Seidman, 2007) and in growth hormone (Macell et al., 2001; Sattler, 2013), and also an increase in inflammation markers (IL-6, TNF-α etc., Schaap et al., 2009; Verghese et al., 2011), will in particular be noted. These various modifications are unfavorable for protein synthesis, whereas these promote proteolysis, hence the gradual reduction in muscle size (sarcopenia). They also cause a modification in the distribution of muscle fiber types to the detriment of the fast fibers, which is reflected by a decrease in muscle strength (dynapenia). Finally, the development of connective tissue within the muscles (fibrosis) is witnessed.

In an obesity context, the situation is worsened for several additional reasons: fat infiltration of the muscles worsens the inflammatory context, insulin resistance reduces the effect of IGF-1 on protein synthesis, without considering that mobility is reduced by the excess weight (Stenholm et al., 2009).

FIG. 2, which is part of the prior art, illustrates the worsening of sarcopenia in an obesity context (according to Quillot et al., 2013).

In any event, in the absence of treatment, sarcopenia is a process which can only get worse, until total loss of mobility. However, sarcopenia is not the only process which results in skeletal muscle atrophy. Atrophy also occurs during immobilization (for example following a fracture), during prolonged fasting (or a slimming diet), or during serious pathological conditions (for example cancers, AIDS) which cause cachexia.

Mention may also be made of various muscle dystrophies of genetic origin. These various situations have a certain number of characteristics in common with sarcopenia, but with a respective weight different than the triggering factors (Tisdale, 2007; Saini et al., 2009).

Known Possible Treatments

Various methods for preventing/treating sarcopenia have thus been envisaged and tested. They are first and foremost physical exercise, the effectiveness of which is established (Bonnefoy et al, 2000; Bonnefoy, 2008; Ryan et al., 2013). Thus, following exercise carried out over a period of 8 weeks, increases in muscle strength of 180% and in muscle mass of 11% have been observed (Fiatarone et al., 1990). However, optimal effectiveness would require several hours of physical exercise per day, which is difficult to envision over long periods of time.

An increased intake of protein synthesis substrates, whether by giving rapidly digestive proteins according to an optimized timing (Coëffier et al., 2009; Aussel et al., 2013), and also a supplement of certain amino acids or their metabolites (leucine, HMB [β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate], citrulline, ornithine), can increase muscle protein synthesis (Li & Heber, 2011).

Various pharmaceutical treatments aim to correct the modifications of the hormonal context associated with aging (Crenn, 2013). They comprise:

-   -   sex hormones such as testosterone (White et al., 2013) or         variants thereof, SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor         Modulators), or non-sex hormones such as growth hormone (Liu et         al., 2003) and IGF-1, ghrelin or progranulin, or even vitamin D;     -   myostatin inhibitors (antibodies directed against the molecule         or its receptor, or myostatin precursor peptide) (Murphy et al.,         2010; Han & Mitch, 2011);     -   molecules which target the renin-angiotensin system, such as         inhibitors of ACE or angiotensin 1-7 (Dalla Libera et al., 2001;         Shiuchi et al., 2004; Kalupahana & Moustaid-Moussa, 2012; Allen         et al., 2013);     -   β-adrenergic receptor agonists (Ryall et al., 2004, 2007);     -   varied natural substances, or even more complex extracts of         plant origin (for example, isoflavones: Aubertin-Leheudre et         al., 2007; olive oil extract: Pierno et al., 2014; resveratrol:         Shadfar et al., 2011; Bennett et al., 2013).

The great diversity of these treatments attests to the difficulty of treating a multifactorial pathological condition, the triggering factors of which have not been totally identified. Furthermore, several candidate molecules have side effects (in the case of sex hormones, SARMs or β-agonists, for example), or have as yet been studied only on animal models. All these elements explain the lack of available medicaments on the market.

To date, research studies target more particularly myostatin, by inhibiting its action with, for example, anti-myostatin antibodies or anti-receptor antibodies (Dumonceaux et al., 2010; Greenberg, 2012; Sakuma & Yamaguchi, 2012; Arounleut et al., 2013; Buehring & Binkley, 2013; Collins-Hooper et al., 2014; White & Le Brasseur, 2014).

Phytoecdysones, and more particularly the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), have been the subject of numerous pharmacological studies, which began in Japan and then in Uzbekistan, and have subsequently developed in various other countries.

These studies have revealed the antidiabetic and anabolic properties of this molecule. Its stimulating effects on protein syntheses in muscles are observed in rats in vivo (Syrov, 2000; Tóth et al., 2008; Lawrence, 2012) and on C2C12 murine myotubes in vitro (Gorelick-Feldman et al., 2008). It is an effect at the level of translation, which involves the phosphorylation of the p70S6K ribosomal protein, at the end of a cascade involving the Akt/PkB protein kinase, a pathway also used by IGF-1 to stimulate protein synthesis.

Using the same C2C12 cells, Zubeldia et al. (2012) have moreover shown that an Ajuga turkestanica extract enriched with phytoecdysones (20-hydroxyecdysone and turkesterone) inhibits the transcription of myostatin and of caspase 3 (a protein involved in apoptosis processes).

Moreover, 20-hydroxyecdysone has antifibrotic properties, which have not been demonstrated on muscles, but in the kidneys, where the fibrosis mechanisms take place very similarly (Hung et al., 2012). It thus opposes the effects of TGFβ, a protein similar to myostatin, and in particular the stimulation of Smad 2,3 caused by this substance. It can thus be considered that 20-hydroxyecdysone could have similar effects on muscles (or the heart).

20-Hydroxyecdysone reduces body fat in mice fed with a fat-enriched diet (Kizelsztein et al., 2009; Foucault et al., 2012) or in ovariectomized female rats, a model of menopause (Seidlova-Wuttke et al., 2010).

Some of the effects described above in animal models have been found in clinical studies, which are even fewer in number. Thus, 20-hydroxyecdysone increases physical capacity (Azizov et al., 1995; Gadhzieva et al., 1995) and muscle mass (Simakin et al., 1988) and causes a loss of abdominal fat mass in obese and overweight volunteers (Wuttke et al., 2013; Foucault et al., 2014; PCT patent application WO 2013/068704).

However, 20E and the metabolites thereof have poor bioavailability in mice (Dzhukharova et al., 1987; Hikino et al., 1972), in rats (Kapur et al., 2010 and Seidlova-Wuttke et al., 2010) and in humans (Brandt 2003; Bolduc, 2006). Their overall performance is among other things not entirely satisfactory in relation to muscle quality improvement applications.

Several studies have shown that turkesterone (11a,20-dihydroxyecdysone), a metabolite derived from 20E, shows a greater activity than that of 20E in vivo (Syrov et al., 2001: Bathori et al., 2008). There is still today, for therapeutic applications targeting an improvement in muscle quality both in obese mammals and in sarcopenic mammals, a need for novel compounds which have good bioavailability, expressed more particularly in terms of high plasma exposure coefficient, while at the same time having an overall activity greater than that of 20E on muscle quality improvement, this overall activity being expressed in terms of performance relating to inhibition of myostatin gene expression combined with increased protein synthesis in the mammal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors have now discovered that, entirely unexpectedly, certain compounds of the steroid family corresponding to a particular general formula, the structure of which differs from that of 20E and metabolites thereof, have a plasma exposure coefficient that is higher than that of said 20E and effects that are greater than or equal to those of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) with respect to the inhibition of myostatin and the stimulation of protein synthesis via phosphorylation of the S6K1 protein. These effects make it possible to improve the muscle quality and/or strength in sarcopenic mammals and sarcopenic obese mammals.

The compounds of the invention do not interact with steroid nuclear receptors of the sex sphere (androgen receptors and estrogen receptors). They show good chemical stability in plasma and in microsomes. Finally, several of them have a pharmacokinetic profile that is much improved compared with 20-hydroxyecdysone. They also induce better inhibition of myostatin gene expression and a better improvement of protein synthesis.

The invention thus provides a compound of general formula (I) below:

wherein: V-U is a carbon-carbon single bond and Y is a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen, or V—U is a C═C ethylenic bond; X is chosen from: an oxygen; an N—OR⁵ group,

-   -   R⁵ then being chosen from: a hydrogen; a C₁-C₆ alkyl group         optionally having unsaturations on the chain; a (C₁-C₆)CO₂R⁶         group with R⁶ possibly being a hydrogen or a C₁-C₆ group; a         (C₁-C₆)OR⁷ group, R⁷ being an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring         optionally monosubstituted or polysubstituted with an alkyl or         alkoxyl group, CF₃, Cl; a (C₁-C₆)NR⁸R⁹ group, R⁸ and R⁹ being         C₁-C₆ groups, or (C₁-C₆)N(C₁-C₆) groups or (C₁-C₆)N(C₁-C₆)OR⁶         groups with R⁶ as defined above, NR⁸R⁹ can also be a         heterocycle; and         wherein:     -   Q is a carbonyl group;     -   with R¹ being chosen from: a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; a         (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆)CO₂(C₁-C₆)         group; a (C₁-C₆)A group, A representing a heterocycle optionally         substituted with a group of the type OH, OMe, (C₁-C₆), N(C₁-C₆)         or CO₂(C₁-C₆); a CH₂Br group;     -   W being a heteroatom chosen from N, O and S;         or,     -   Q is a CHOH group;     -   with R¹ being chosen from: a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; a         (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆)CO₂(C₁-C₆)         group;     -   W being a heteroatom chosen from N and S;         or,     -   Q is chosen from: a C═NOR⁵ group, R⁵ being defined as above; a         CHNR²R³ group,     -   with R¹ being a (C₁-C₆) alkyl group;     -   with R² and R³, which may be identical or different, each chosen         from: a hydrogen atom; a (C₁-C₆) alkyl group; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆)         group; a cycloalkyl group; a (C₁-C₆)CHF₂ group; a (C₁-C₆)A group         with A representing a heterocycle defined as above; a group of         COR⁴ type,         -   R⁴ being chosen from: an optionally unsaturated (C₁-C₆)             alkyl or cycloalkyl group; a heterocyclic group of A type as             defined above, an aromatic or heteroaromatic group             optionally substituted with a group of the type OH, OMe,             (C₁-C₆), N(C₁-C₆), CO₂(C₁-C₆), CF₃, OCF₃, CN, Cl, F; a             (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group;     -   W being a heteroatom chosen from N, O and S;         the compound being in the form of an enantiomer, a         diastereoisomer, a hydrate, a solvate, a tautomer, a racemic         mixture or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Another particular form of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I) mentioned above wherein Q represents a carbonyl group.

One particular form of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I), wherein:

-   -   X is an oxygen;     -   V—U is a carbon-carbon single bond;     -   Y is a hydroxyl group;     -   Q is a carbonyl group;     -   R¹ is chosen from: a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; a         (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆)CO₂(C₁-C₆)         group; a (C₁-C₆)A group, A representing a heterocycle optionally         substituted with a group of the type OH, OMe, (C₁-C₆), N(C₁-C₆)         or CO₂(C₁-C₆);     -   W being a heteroatom chosen from N, O and S.

Another particular form of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I), wherein Q represents a CHNR²R³ group, with R² and R³ being chosen from: a hydrogen atom; a (C₁-C₆) alkyl group; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; a cycloalkyl group; a (C₁-C₆)CHF₂ group; a (C₁-C₆)A group, with A representing a heterocycle defined as above; a group of COR⁴ type,

-   -   R⁴ being chosen from: an optionally unsaturated (C₁-C₆) alkyl or         cycloalkyl group; a heterocyclic group of A type as defined         above, an aromatic or heteroaromatic group optionally         substituted with a group of the type OH, OMe, (C₁-C₆), N(C₁-C₆),         CO₂(C₁-C₆), CF₃, OCF₃, CN, Cl, F; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group.

Another particular form of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I), wherein:

-   -   X is an oxygen;     -   V—U is a carbon-carbon single bond;     -   Y is a hydroxyl group;     -   R¹ is a methyl group;     -   Q is a CHNR²R³ group;         -   with R² and R³ being chosen from: a hydrogen atom; a (C₁-C₆)             alkyl group; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; a cycloalkyl group; a             (C₁-C₆)CHF₂ group; a (C₁-C₆)A group, with A representing a             heterocycle defined as above; a group of COR⁴ type,         -   R⁴ being chosen from: an optionally unsaturated (C₁-C₆)             alkyl or cycloalkyl group; a heterocyclic group of A type as             defined above, an aromatic or heteroaromatic group             optionally substituted with a group of the type OH, OMe,             (C₁-C₆), N(C₁-C₆), CO₂(C₁-C₆), CF₃, OCF₃, CN, Cl, F; a             (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group;     -   W being an heteroatom chosen from N, O and S.

Another particular form of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I), wherein Q represents a C═NOR⁵ group, R⁵ being defined as above.

Another particular form of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I), wherein:

-   -   X is an oxygen;     -   V—U is a carbon-carbon single bond;     -   Y is a hydroxyl group;     -   R¹ is a methyl group;     -   Q is a C═NOR⁵ group, R⁵ being defined as above.

Another particular form of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I), wherein V—U is a C═C ethylenic bond.

Another particular form of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I), wherein X is an N—OR⁵ group, R⁵ being defined as above.

Another particular form of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I), chosen from the following compounds:

-   No. 28:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C-methyl-carbonimidoyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 32:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-(2-diethylaminoethoxy)-C-methyl-carbonimidoyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 41:     2-methoxy-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetamide -   No. 42:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2-methoxyethylamino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 43:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-[1-(3-pyridylmethylamino)ethyl]-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 46:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-[1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethylamino)ethyl]-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 51:     2-ethyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]butanamide -   No. 62:     2-methoxy-N-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetamide -   No. 63:     N-(tetratetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2-carboxamide -   No. 67:     N-(2,2-difluoroethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2-carboxamide -   No. 76:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2-methoxyethyl(methyl)amino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 81:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-(2-morpholinoacetyl)-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 86:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[2-(3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)acetyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 88:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[2-(4-hydroxy-1-piperidypacetyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 89:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidyl]acetyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 91:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[2-(3-dimethylaminopropyl(methyl)amino)acetyl]-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 92:     2-[2-oxo-2-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]sulfanylacetate     ethyl -   No. 93:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-ethylsulfanylacetyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one -   No. 94:     (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[2-(2-hydroxyethylsulfanyl)acetyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one.

Another subject of the invention relates to the use of a compound of general formula (I) as a medicament, in particular in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Another subject of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I), for use in the treatment and/or prevention of sarcopenia and of sarcopenic obesity, and the associated complications and/or pathological conditions thereof, such as loss of strength, of muscle mass, of physical performance and capacity and of mobility in mammals. The physical performance and capacity can be characterized by means of walking tests and physical effort tests.

Another subject of the invention uses the compound of general formula (I), for use in the treatment and/or prevention of obesity and the complications thereof and/or of the associated pathological conditions, advantageously type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome in mammals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, which is part of the prior art, illustrates the principal pathways of protein synthesis and proteolysis in muscles (constructed according to Zhao et al., 2008 and Little et al., 2009).

FIG. 2, which is part of the prior art, illustrates the worsening of sarcopenia in an obesity context (according to Quillot et al., 2013).

FIG. 3A illustrates the effects of 20E (comparative compound) and of compounds in accordance with the invention Nos. 51 and 93 on the weight of C57BL/6 mice subjected to a high-fat diet for 6 weeks.

FIG. 3B illustrates the effects of 20E (comparative compound) and of compounds in accordance with the invention Nos. 51 and 93 on the amount of protein of the Soleus muscle of C57BL/6 mice subjected to a high-fat diet for 6 weeks.

FIG. 4 illustrates the effects of 20E (comparative compound) and of compounds in accordance with the invention Nos. 51 and 93 on the myostatin transcript of the Soleus muscle of C57BL/6 mice subjected to a high-fat diet for 6 weeks.

FIG. 5A illustrates the effects of 20E (comparative compound) and of compounds in accordance with the invention Nos. 51 and 93 on the MyoD transcripts of C57BL/6 mice subjected to a high-fat diet for 6 weeks.

FIG. 5B illustrates the effects of 20E (comparative compound) and of compounds in accordance with the invention Nos. 51 and 93 on the myogenin transcripts of C57BL/6 mice subjected to a high-fat diet for 6 weeks.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in the form of a table, the results obtained for compounds of the present invention during experiments in which myostatin gene expression and protein synthesis were analyzed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The object of the invention is to develop novel chemical compounds which meet in particular the objectives set above, in relation to therapeutic applications for the treatment and/or prevention of obesity and/or of sarcopenia in mammals. The latter compounds are novel since they do not exist in the chemical databases. They can advantageously be synthesized according to industrializable processes, that is to say processes with a minimum number of synthesis steps and an optimal yield. They have effects greater than those of 20E in terms of the inhibition of myostatin and the stimulation of protein synthesis via the phosphorylation of the S6K1 protein. They show good chemical stability in plasma and in microsomes. They have an improved pharmacokinetic profile and a defined dosage regimen. They stimulate muscle anabolism in C2C12 cells and show an anti-hyperglycemic effect.

In the context of the present invention, the term “aryl group” is intended to mean an aromatic ring having 5 to 8 carbon atoms or several fused aromatic rings having 5 to 14 carbon atoms. In particular, the aryl groups can be monocyclic or bicyclic groups, preferably phenyl or naphthyl. Advantageously, it is a phenyl group (Ph).

In the context of the present invention, the term “heteroaryl group” is intended to mean any hydrocarbon-based aromatic group of 3 to 9 atoms containing one or more heteroatoms, such as for example sulfur, nitrogen or oxygen atoms. The heteroaryl according to the present invention may consist of one or more fused rings. Examples of a heteroaryl group are furyl, isoxazyl, pyridyl, thiazolyl, pyrimidyl, benzimidazol, benzoxazole and benzothiazole groups. Advantageously, the heteroaryl group is chosen from furyl, pyridyl and thiazolyl groups. Advantageously, it is the furyl group.

In the context of the present invention, the term “halogen atom” is intended to mean any halogen atom, advantageously chosen from Cl, Br, I or F, in particular chosen from F, Cl or Br, in particular F or Cl.

In the context of the present invention, the term “C₁-C₆ alkyl group” is intended to mean any linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in particular methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl or n-hexyl groups. Advantageously, it is a methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl group, in particular a methyl or ethyl group, more particularly a methyl group.

In the context of the present invention, the term “C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl group” is intended to mean any saturated and hydrocarbon-based ring comprising from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, in particular the cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl group. Advantageously, it is a cyclopropyl or cyclohexyl group.

In the context of the present invention, the term “(C₁-C₆ alkyl group) aryl” is intended to mean any aryl group as defined above, bonded by means of a C₁-C₆ alkyl group as defined above. In particular, an example of a (C₁-C₆ alkyl group) aryl is a benzyl or —(CH₂)₂ phenyl group.

In the context of the present invention, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” is intended to mean what is of use in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition which is generally safe, nontoxic and neither biologically undesirable or undesirable in another way, and which is acceptable for both veterinary use and human pharmaceutical use.

In the context of the present invention, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts of a compound” is intended to mean salts which are pharmaceutically acceptable, as defined herein, and which have the desired pharmacological activity of the parent compound. Such salts comprise:

-   (1) the acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids such as     hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid,     phosphoric acid and the like; or formed with organic acids such as     acetic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, camphorsulfonic     acid, citric acid, ethanesulfonic acid, fumaric acid, glucoheptonic     acid, gluconic acid, glutamic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxynaphthoic     acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, malic     acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, muconic acid,     2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, propionoic acid, salicylic acid,     succinic acid, dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid, tartaric acid,     p-toluenesulfonic acid, trimethylacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid     and the like; or -   (2) the salts formed when an acid proton present in the parent     compound is either replaced with a metal ion, for example an alkali     metal ion, an alkaline-earth metal ion or an aluminum ion; or     coordinates with an organic or inorganic base. The acceptable     organic bases comprise diethanolamine, ethanolamine,     N-methylglucamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine and the like. The     acceptable inorganic bases comprise aluminum hydroxide, calcium     hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium     hydroxide.

In the context of the present invention, the term “solvate of a compound” is intended to mean any compound obtained by addition of an inert solvent molecule to the compound according to the invention, the solvate forming because of their mutual attraction force. The solvates are, for example, alkoxides of the compound. A hydrate is a solvate in which the inert solvent used is water. It may be mono-, di- or trihydrated.

In the context of the present invention, the term “tautomer” is intended to mean any constitutional isomer of the compounds according to the present invention which are interconvertible by means of the reversible chemical reaction known as tautomerization. In most cases, the reaction occurs by migration of a hydrogen atom accompanied by a change in location of a double bond. In a solution of a compound capable of tautomerization, an equilibrium between the two tautomers is created. The ratio between tautomers then depends on the solvent, on the temperature and on the pH. Tautomerism is thus the conversion of one functional group into another, usually by concomitant shift of a hydrogen atom and of a π bond (double or triple bond). Common tautomers are, for example, the following pairs: aldehydes/ketones—alcohols or more specifically enol; amides—imidic acids; lactams—lactims; imines—enamines; enamines—enamines. In particular, it may include a ring-chain tautomerism which takes place when the movement of the proton is accompanied by the conversion of an open structure to a ring.

Description of the General Syntheses and Schemes

The compounds of general formula (I) can be prepared by applying or adapting any method known per se to those skilled in the art and/or within the scope of the latter, in particular those described by Larock (1989), or by applying or adapting the processes described in the procedures which follow.

The various groups refer to the definitions given above.

Scheme A:

The 20-hydroxyecdysone A₁ can be reduced to the compound A₂ by the action of zinc in acetic acid as described in Zhu et al. (2002). This compound A₂ can undergo oxidative cleavage at C20-C22 of the chain by reaction of PCC in pyridine to give the compound A₃. The alkyloximes of R⁵ONH₂ type react with the carbonyl at C20 to give the corresponding imines A₄ and also the compound A₅ from double reaction at C20 and C6.

Scheme B:

The alkyloximes of R⁵ONH₂ type react with the carbonyl at C6 of the compound A₁ to give the oxime B₁ and also, optionally, the compounds B₂ (Z conformer) and B′₂ (E conformer) from elimination of the hydroxyl at C14-C15. These 3 compounds can independently undergo a chain cleavage as described in scheme A so as to give the compounds B₃ and B₄, with the (Z)-oxime compound B′₃ as by-product. Alkyloximes of R⁵ONH₂ type react with the carbonyl at C6 of the compounds B₃ or B₄ to give the compounds B₅ and B₆.

Scheme C:

The compound A₁ can undergo an oxidative cleavage as described on scheme A to give the compound C₁. This compound, called poststerone in the literature can be subjected to the action of an alkoxime of R⁵ONH₂ type on the carbonyl at C20, thereby making it possible to obtain the compound C₂, the compound C₃ from double reaction at C6 and C20 and the compound C₄ from elimination of the hydroxyl at C14-C15.

Scheme D: The mixture of (E) and (Z) conformers B₃ and B′₃ derived from scheme B is reacted with titanium chloride, the action of which is to dehydrate the (Z) compound B′₃ so as to obtain D₁. The carbonyl at C17 of the compound B₃ isolated in the previous step undergoes a reductive amination with R³NH₂ in the presence of cyanoborohydride so as to give the compound D₂ which can be acylated with an acid chloride R⁴COCl, making it possible to obtain the compound D₃.

Scheme E:

The poststerone C₁ undergoes a reductive amination and then an acylation of the same type as those described in scheme D and makes it possible to obtain the compounds E₁ and then E₂.

Scheme F:

The secondary amine of the compound E₁ derived from scheme F is alkylated with a bromoalkyl compound so as to give the tertiary amine F₂.

Scheme G:

The poststerone C₁ can be brominated at C21 using bromine so as to give the brominated compound G₁ which can be alkylated with a nucleophile WR, W possibly being an amine or a thiol, and giving the compound G₂.

Scheme H:

The brominated compound G₁ obtained in scheme G can react with alkoxide compounds of OR type in order to obtain the ethereal compounds H₁.

Scheme I:

The compounds G₂ derived from scheme G can undergo a reduction of the carbonyl at C20 using sodium borohydride so as to give the alcohols I₂.

Scheme J:

The compounds G₂ derived from scheme G can undergo the reaction at C20 of an alkoxamine of R⁵ONH₂ type as described in scheme C and makes it possible to obtain the compound J₁.

EXAMPLES Materials and Methods

The proton (¹H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra are performed on a Bruker Avance DPX300 apparatus (300.16 MHz). The chemical shifts (δ) are measured in parts per million (ppm). The spectra are calibrated on the chemical shift of the deuterated solvent used. The coupling constants (J) are expressed in Hertz (Hz) and the multiplicity is represented in the following way: singulet (s), doublet (d), doublet of doublets (dd), triplet (t), triplet of doublets (td), quadruplet (q), multiplet (m). The mass spectra (MS) are carried out by an Agilent Technologies MSD, type G1946A, spectrometer, and the samples are ionized by an “atmospheric pressure chemical ionization” (APCI) source.

Abbreviations

-   TBAF tetrabutylammonium fluoride -   THF tetrahydrofuran -   DMF dimethylformamide -   CDCl₃ deuterated chloroform -   CD₃OD deuterated methanol -   DMSO-d₆ deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide -   PyBop (Benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tripyrrolidinophosphonium     hexafluorophosphate -   Boc tert-butyloxycarbonyl -   mmol millimol(s) -   μM micromolar -   mL milliliter(s) -   g gram(s) -   μM mol/liter -   N normal -   nm nanometer(s) -   min minute(s) -   h hour(s) -   d day(s) -   a.t. ambient temperature -   UV ultraviolet -   ctrl control     MW molecular weight     MS mass spectrometry

By way of illustrative examples of the invention, the compounds represented in table 2 were synthesized.

TABLE 2 list of the compounds of which the synthesis is exemplified No. Chemical structure Chemical name  1

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,14S,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C- methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl- 1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17- dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one  2

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,14R,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C- methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl- 1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17- dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one  3

2-[[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-17-(N-(carboxymethyloxy)- C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl- 1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17- dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6- ylidene]amino]oxyacetic acid  4

2-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17- dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17- yl]ethylideneamino]oxyacetic acid  5

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-17-(N-ethoxy-C- methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl- 1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17- dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one  6

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-17-(N-hydroxy-C- methylcarbonimidoyl)-10,13-dimethyl- 1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17- dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one  7

1-[(2S,3R,5R,6Z,10R,13R,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-6- methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,16,17- decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone oxime 19

(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-(2- methoxyethoxy)-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-6- methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol 21

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-(C-methyl-N-(3-methylbut-2- enoxy)carbonimidoyl)-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one oxime 23

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-ethoxy-C- methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 24

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-(N- hydroxy-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-10,13-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 25

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-methoxy-C- methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 26

2-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy- 10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17- yl]ethylideneamino]oxyacetic acid 27

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-(C-methyl-N-(2- phenoxyethoxy)carbonimidoyl)- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 28

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C- methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 29

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-(N-(2- methoxyethoxy)-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 30

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-(C-methyl-N-(3-methylbut-2- enoxy)carbonimidoyl)-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 31

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-(C-methyl-N-(2- morpholinoethoxy)carbonimidoyl)- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 32

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-(2- diethylaminoethoxy)-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 33

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl- 17-(C-methyl-N-(2-phenoxyethoxy)carbonimidoyl)- 1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,16,17- decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 34

2-[[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N- (carboxymethyloxy)-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6- ylidene]amino]oxyacetic acid 35

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-(2- dimethylaminoethoxy)-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 36

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-(C-methyl-N-(2-pyrrolidin-1- ylethoxy)carbonimidoyl)-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 37

N-(2,2-difluoroethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-6- methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17- yl]ethyl]furan-2-carboxamide 38

N-(2,2-dimethoxyethyl)-2-methyl-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-6- methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17- yl]ethyl]propanamide 39

(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[1-(2,2- difluoroethylamino)ethyl]-6-methoxyimino-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol 40

(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[1-(2,2- dimethoxyethylamino)ethyl]-6-methoxyimino-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol 41

2-methoxy-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetamide 42

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2- methoxyethylamino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 43

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-[1-(3-pyridylmethylamino)ethyl]- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 44

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-[1-(2-morpholinoethylamino)ethyl]- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 45

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[1- (cyclopropylamino)ethyl]-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 46

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-[1-(tetrahydrofuran-2- ylmethylamino)ethyl]-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 47

N-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17- yl]ethyl]cyclopropanecarboxamide 48

N-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]prop-2-enamide 49

N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-(1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)- 2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2- carboxamide 50

N-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]propanamide 51

2-ethyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]butanamide 52

N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)- 2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]pent-4-enamide 53

N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)- 2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]thiophene-2- carboxamide 54

N-cyclopropyl-2-methoxy-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetacetamide 55

N-cyclopropyl-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]propanamide 56

4-cyano-N-cyclopropyl-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]benzamide 57

N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)- 2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]morpholine-4- carboxamide 58

N-cyclopropyl-N-[1-((2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]pyridine-3- carboxamide 59

N-cyclopropyl-4-methoxy-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]benzamide 60

N-(2,2-dimethoxyethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2- carboxamide 61

N-(2,2-dimethoxyethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]prop-2-enamide 62

2-methoxy-N-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetamide 63

N-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2- carboxamide 64

N-(2,2-dimethoxyethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]thiophene-2- carboxamide 65

N-(2,2-dimethoxyethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17- yl]ethyl]cyclopropanecarboxamide 66

N-(2,2-dimethoxyethyl)-2-methyl-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]propanamide 67

N-(2,2-difluoroethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)- 2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2- carboxamide 68

N-(2,2-difluoroethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)- 2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17- yl]ethyl]cyclopropanecarboxamide 69

N-(2,2-difluoroethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)- 2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]prop-2-enamide 70

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[1-(2,2- difluoroethylamino)ethyl]-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 71

Tert-butyl N-(2,2-difluoroethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]carbamate 72

2-methoxy-N-(3-pyridylmethyl)-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetamide 73

N-(3-pyridylmethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)- 2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta(a)phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2- carboxamide 74

N-(3-pyridylmethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)- 2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17- yl]ethyl]cyclopropanecarboxamide 75

N-(2-methoxyethyl)-2-methyl-N-[1- [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]propanamide 76

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2- methoxyethyl(methyl)amino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 77

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-[1-(methyl(tetrahydrofuran-2- ylmethyl)amino)ethyl]-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 78

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[1- (cyclopropyl(methyl)amino)ethyl]-2,3,14-trihydroxy- 10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 79

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[1-(2,2- dimethoxyethyl(methyl)amino)ethyl]-2,3,14-trihydroxy- 10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 80

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl- 17-[(E)-3-(1-methylpyrrol-2-yl)prop-2-enoyl]- 1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17- dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 81

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-(2-morpholinoacetyl)- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 82

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[2-(4-ethylpiperazin-1- yl)acetyl]-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 83

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[2-[(2S,6R)-2,6- dimethylmorpholin-4-yl]acetyl]-2,3,14-trihydroxy- 10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 84

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[2-(2- dimethylaminoethyl(methyl)amino)acetyl]-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 85

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[2-(2,2- dimethoxyethyl(methyl)amino)acetyl]-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 86

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[2-(3- hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)acetyl]-10,13-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 87

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[2-(2- hydroxyethyl(methyl)amino)acetyl]-10,13-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 88

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[2-(4- hydroxy-1-piperidyl)acetyl]-10,13-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 89

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[2-[4- (2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidyl]acetyl]-10,13-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 90

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-[2-(4-methyl-1-piperidyl)acetyl]- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 91

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[2-(3- dimethylaminopropyl(methyl)amino)acetyl]-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 92

Ethyl 2-[2-oxo-2-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]sulfanylacetate 93

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-ethylsulfanylacetyl)- 2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 94

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[2-(2- hydroxyethylsulfanyl)acetyl]-10,13-dimethyl- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 95

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-ethoxyacetyl)-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 96

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13- dimethyl-17-(2-tetrahydrofuran-3-yloxyacetyl)- 2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 97

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1- hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxyethyl(methyl)amino)ethyl]-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 98

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1- hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxyethylsulfanyl)ethyl]-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 99

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1- hydroxy-2-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidyl]ethyl]-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 100 

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1- hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl]-10,13- dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H- cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 101 

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-bromoacetyl)-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one 102 

(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-bromoacetyl)-2,3,14- trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17- decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

Example 1: Scheme A Preparation of Compounds No. 1 and No. 2: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,14S,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one and (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,14R,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

Step 1: Preparation of (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(1R,2R)-1,2,5-trihydroxy-1,5-dimethylhexyl]-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

20 g (41.6 mmol) of 20-hydroxyecdysone (commercially available) are dissolved in 280 ml of acetic acid and the solution is heated to 67° C. 27.2 g (416 mmol) of zinc powder are added portionwise and the reaction medium is heated at 67° C. for 18 h. The solution is then filtered at 20° C. through a celite cake which is washed with 50 ml of methanol. The filtrate is evaporated off to give 33.7 g of brown oil which is purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel cartridge (90/10 dichloromethane/methanol) to give 9.52 g of yellow powder (yield: 49%) of (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(1R,2R)-1,2,5-trihydroxy-1,5-dimethylhexyl]-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one.

LC-MS: m/z=465.3 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.72-5.43 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.42-4.32 (m, 2H), 4.13 (s, 1H), 3.76-2.62 (m, 2H), 3.2-3.1 (m, 2H), 2.21-2.14 (m, 2H), 1.90-1.02 (m, 28H), 1.03-0.77 (m, 6H).

Step 2: Preparation of (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-17-acetyl-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

9.52 g (20.28 mmol) of (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(1R,2R)-1,2,5-trihydroxy-1,5-dimethylhexyl]-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one are dissolved in 46 ml of pyridine and 276 ml of dichloromethane. 6.69 g (30.4 mmol) of pyridinium chlorochromate are added portionwise over the course of 10 min and the reaction medium is stirred at 20° C. for 2 h 30. The pyridine and the dichloromethane are then evaporated off under vacuum and the residue is purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel cartridge (95/5 dichloromethane/methanol) to give 4 g of beige powder (yield: 56%) of (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-17-acetyl-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one.

LC-MS: m/z=347.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.68-5.46 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.41-4.37 (m, 2H), 3.76-3.55 (m, 2H), 2.83-2.54 (m, 2H), 2.33-1.95 (m, 6H), 1.90-1.30 (m, 10H), 1.28-1.18 (m, 1H), 0.88-0.42 (m, 6H).

Step 3: Preparation of the epimers (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,14S,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one and (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,14R,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

328 mg (0.947 mmol) of (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,17S)-17-acetyl-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one (14-deoxypoststerone) prepared in step 2 are dissolved in 1.2 ml of ethanol and 200 mg (0.994 mmol) of but-3-enoxyammonium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate are added portionwise. The reaction medium is brought to reflux for 20 h. The solvent is evaporated off and the residue is purified by preparative chromatography on a C18 column (60/40 acetonitrile/water) to give 24 mg of beige powder (yield: 6%) of compound No. 1 (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,14S,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one and 57 mg of beige powder (yield: 14%) of compound No. 2 (2S,3R,5R,10R,13S,14R,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-2,3-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one.

Compound No. 1:

LC-MS: m/z=416.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆)—C14 beta epimer—δ 5.83-5.72 (m, 1H), 5.70 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.1-5 (m, 2H), 4.40-4.36 (m, 2H), 4 (t, 2H), 3.77-3.71 (m, 2H), 2.80-2.60 (m, 1H), 2.40-1.20 (m, 20H), 0.82-0.74 (m, 6H).

Compound No. 2:

LC-MS: m/z=416.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-D6)—C14 alpha epimer—δ 5.87-5.72 (m, 1H), 5.48 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.1-4.9 (m, 2H), 4.40-4.36 (m, 2H), 4 (t, 2H), 3.77-3.71 (m, 2H), 2.80-2.60 (m, 1H), 2.44-1.23 (m, 20H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.47 (s, 3H).

Compounds Nos. 3 to 6 were prepared according to the same scheme, in the form of C14 alpha and C14 beta epimers.

MW Purity¹ MS m/z No. g/mol Appearance (%) MH⁺ ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 3 492.6 beige 92 493.2 8.56 (s, 1H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 6.34-5.47 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.48 (m, powder 4H), 3.72 (m, 3H), 2.28-1.30 (m, 20H), 0.85-0.44 (m, 6H) 4 419.5 beige 92 420.2 5.69-5.46 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.43 (s, 2H), 3.74-3.64 (m, 3H), 2.80- powder 2.60 (m, 1H), 2.31-1.16 (m, 19H), 0.85-0.44 (m, 6H) 5 389.5 white 94 390.2 5.70-5.47(m, 1H(C7)), 4.39-4.36(m, 2H), 4.02-3.95(q, 2H), 3.76- powder 3.60(m, 2H), 2.80-2.60(m, 1H), 2.41- 1.2(m, 18H), 1.15(t, 3H), 0.83-0.47(m, 6H) 6 361.5 white 93 362.2 10.44-10.39 (m, 1H), 5.67-5.47 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.37-4.35 (m, powder 2H), 3.75-3.60 (m, 2H), 2.80-2.60 (m, 1H), 2.45-1.1 (m, 18H), 0.83-0.45 (m, 6H) ¹LCMS purity, UV at 254 nm

Example 2: Scheme B Preparation of Compound No. 7: [1-[(2S,3R,5R,6Z,10R,13R,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,16,17-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone oxime] and Compound No. 19: [(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-(2-methoxyethoxy)-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol]

Preparation of Compound No. 7 Step 1: Preparation of Compound (a) [(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(1R,2R)-1,2,5-trihydroxy-1,5-dimethylhexyl]-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol] and of Compound (b) [(2R,3R)-2-[(2S,3R,5R,6Z,10R,13R,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,16,17-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]-6-methylheptane-2,3,6-triol]

According to the same procedure as that described in step 3 of scheme A, 788 mg of beige powder (yield: 37%) of compound (a) [(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(1R,2R)-1,2,5-trihydroxy-1,5-dimethylhexyl]-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol] were prepared from 20-hydroxyecdysone and from O-methylhydroxylamine hydrochloride. 667 mg (yield: 32%) of elimination compound (b) [(2R,3R)-2-[(2S,3R,5R,6Z,10R,13R,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,16,17-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]-6-methylheptane-2,3,6-triol] could also be isolated, and also 34 mg (yield: 2%) of elimination compound (c) [(2R,3R)-2-[(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,16,17-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]-6-methylheptane-2,3,6-triol] could also be likewise isolated.

Compound (a):

LC-MS: m/z=510.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 6.25 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.45-4.35 (m, 3H), 4.31-4.29 (m, 1H), 4.14 (s, 1H), 3.74-3.69 (m, 4H), 3.6-3.5 (m, 1H), 3.17-3.08 (m, 1H), 2.87-2.75 (m, 1H), 2.26-2.20 (m, 2H), 2.05-1.1 (m, 15H), 1.1-0.98 (m, 11H), 0.73 (s, 6H).

Compound (b):

LC-MS: m/z=492.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 6.04 (s, 1H), 5.77 (s, 1H), 4.45-4.30 (m, 2H), 4.25 (s, 1H), 4.11 (s, 1H), 3.75-3.65 (m, 5H), 3.63-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.20-3.08 (m, 2H), 2.17-1.90 (m, 3H), 1.70-1.20 (m, 11H), 1.15-0.93 (m, 14H), 0.74 (s, 3H).

Compound (c):

LC-MS: m/z=492.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 6.55 (s, 1H), 5.81 (s, 1H), 4.44-4.26 (m, 3H), 4.09 (s, 1H), 3.79-3.67 (m, 5H), 3.62-3.54 (m, 1H), 3.16-3.08 (m, 1H), 2.30-1.90 (m, 4H), 1.70-1.20 (m, 11H), 1.15-0.92 (m, 14H), 0.73 (s, 3H).

Starting from the Isolated Compound (b):

Step 2a: Preparation of Compound (d): [1-[(2S,3R,5R,6Z,10R,13R,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,16,17-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone]

According to the same procedure as that described in step 2 of scheme A, 267 mg of beige powder (yield: 55%) of compound (d) [1-[(2S,3R,5R,6Z,10R,13R,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,16,17-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone] were prepared from compound (b).

Compound (d):

LC-MS: m/z=374.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 6.09 (s, 1H), 5.81-5.75 (m, 1H), 4.39-4.37 (m, 1H), 4.30-4.26 (m, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.72-3.68 (m, 1H), 3.65-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.2-3 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.60 (m, 1H), 2.29-2.10 (m, 5H), 1.74-1.23 (m, 8H), 0.74-0.70 (m, 6H).

Step 3a: Preparation of Compound No. 7: [1-[(2S,3R,5R,6Z,10R,13R,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,16,17-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone oxime]

According to the same procedure as that described in step 3 of scheme A, 81 mg of white powder (yield: 71%) of 1-[(2S,3R,5R,6Z,10R,13R,17S)-2,3-dihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,9,11,12,16,17-decahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone oxime were prepared from compound (d).

Compound No. 7:

LC-MS: m/z=389.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 10.53 (s, 1H), 6.09 (s, 1H), 5.04 (s, 1H), 4.37 (d, 1H), 4.30-4.26 (m, 1H), 3.77-3.67 (m, 4H), 3.65-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.15-3.03 (m, 1H), 2.80-2.65 (m, 2H), 2.25-2.12 (m, 1H), 2.05-1.99 (m, 1H), 1.79 (s, 3H), 1.74-1.20 (m, 8H), 0.76-0.66 (m, 6H).

Preparation of Compound No. 19 Starting from the Isolated Compound (a) (2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(1R,2R)-1,2,5-trihydroxy-1,5-dimethylhexyl]-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol Step 2b: Preparation of Compounds (e): [1-[(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone] and (f): [1-[(2S,3R,5R,6Z,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone]

According to the same procedure as that described in step 2 of scheme A, 891 mg of beige powder (yield: 36%) of compound (e) [1-[(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone] were isolated and also 23 mg (yield: 0.9%) of compound (f): [1-[(2S,3R,5R,6Z,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone] were isolated from 3.5 g of the isolated compound (a) [2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(1R,2R)-1,2,5-trihydroxy-1,5-dimethylhexyl]-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol].

Compound (e):

LC-MS: m/z=392.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 6.28 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.74 (s, 1H), 4.42-4.36 (m, 1H), 4.32-4.28 (m, 1H), 3.76-3.70 (m, 4H), 3.68-3.52 (m, 1H), 3.20-3.12 (m, 1H), 2.90-2.76 (m, 1H), 2.30-2.00 (m, 5H), 1.90-1.50 (m, 8H), 1.49-1.24 (m, 3H), 0.72 (s, 3H), 0.45 (s, 3H).

Compound (f):

LC-MS: m/z=392.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.71 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.45 (s, 1H), 4.45-4.41 (m, 1H), 4.26-4.23 (m, 1H), 3.76-3.70 (m, 4H), 3.65-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.18-3.09 (m, 1H), 2.90-2.80 (m, 1H), 2.22-2.00 (m, 5H), 1.88-1.22 (m, 11H), 0.73 (s, 3H), 0.47 (s, 3H).

Step 3b: Preparation of Compound No. 19: [(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,175)-17-(N-(2-methoxyethoxy)-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol]

According to the same procedure as that described in step 3 of scheme A, 46 mg of white powder (yield: 48%) of compound No. 19 [(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-(2-methoxyethoxy)-C-methylcarbonimidoyl)-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol] were prepared from 233 mg of compound (e).

Compound No. 19:

LC-MS: m/z=465.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 6.28 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.66 (s, 1H), 4.44-4.38 (m, 1H), 4.34-4.28 (m, 1H), 4.10-4.01 (m, 2H), 3.75-3.70 (m, 4H), 3.65-3.45 (m, 3H), 3.24 (s, 3H), 2.98-2.76 (m, 2H), 2.30-1.90 (m, 4H), 1.80-1.24 (m, 12H), 0.73 (s, 3H), 0.49 (s, 3H).

Compound No. 21 was prepared according to the same scheme.

MW Purity¹ MS m/z No. g/mol Appearance (%) MH⁺ ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 21 460.6 white 99 461.3 10.35 (s, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 5.39-5.27 (m, 1H), 4.58 (s, powder 1H), 4.49-4.27 (m, 1H), 4.25-4.22 (m, 1H), 3.74 (s, 1H), 3.65-3.55 (m, 1H), 2.96-2.77 (m, 2H), 2.3-1.22 (m, 24H), 0.72 (s, 3H), 0.49 (s, 3H). ¹LCMS purity, UV at 254 nm

Example 3: Scheme C Preparation of Compound No. 23: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-ethoxy-C-methyl-carbonimidoyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

According to the same procedure as that described in step 3 of scheme A, 64 mg of white powder (yield: 22%) of (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-ethoxy-C-methyl-carbonimidoyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one were prepared from poststerone (obtained by oxidative cleavage of the chain of 20-hydroxyecdysone according to the same procedure as that described in step 2 of scheme B).

Compound No. 23:

LC-MS: m/z=406.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=93%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 5.82 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.04 (q, 2H), 3.97-3.92 (m, 1H), 3.89-3.80 (m, 1H), 3.22-3.10 (m, 1H), 3.04 (t, 1H), 2.43-1.55 (m, 15H), 1.45-1.37 (m, 1H), 1.21 (t, 3H), 0.96 (s, 3H), 0.64 (s, 3H).

Compounds Nos. 24 to 36 were prepared according to the same scheme.

MW Purity¹ MS m/z No. g/mol Appearance (%) MH⁺ ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 24 377.5 white 99 378.1 (in CD₃OD) δ 5.81 (s, 1H(C7)), 3.95 (s, 1H), 3.85-3.80 (m, powder 1H), 3.25-3.17 (m, 1H), 3.05 (t, 1H), 2.45-1.55 (m, 15H), 1.47-1.39 (m, 1H), 0.96 (s, 3H), 0.63 (s, 3H). 25 391.5 white 95 392.2 (in CD₃OD) δ 5.81 (s, 1H(C7)), 3.95 (s, 1H), 3.88-3.75 (m, powder 4H), 3.23-3.12 (m, 1H), 3.03 (t, 1H), 2.41-1.55 (m, 15H), 1.45-1.39 (m, 1H), 0.96 (s, 3H), 0.63 (s, 3H). 26 435.5 brown 99 436.2 (DMSO + D₂O) δ 5.66 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.41 (s, 1H), 3.77 (s, 1H), powder 3.68-3.58 (m, 1H), 3.03-2.96 (m, 1H), 2.92-2.84 (m, 1H), 2.23-1.21 (m, 16H), 0.8 (s, 3H), 0.47 (s, 3H). 27 497.6 white 92 498.2 7.30-7.24 (m, 2H), 6.94-6.92 (m, 3H), 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.95 powder (s, 1H), 4.50-4.40 (m, 2H), 4.29-4.25 (m, 2H), 4.18-4.12 (m, 2H), 3.78-3.74 (m, 1H), 3.63-3.57 (m, 1H), 3.15-2.80 (m, 2H), 2.25-1.1 (m, 16H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.49 (s, 3H). RMN ¹³C (75 MHz, DMSO-D6)δ 202.8 (C6), 177.8, 164.1, 158.6, 157.8, 129.6, 120.7, 114.5, 82.5, 51.2, 47.2, 45.7, 30.5, 21.1, 16.2, 6.2. 28 431.6 white 99 432.2 5.87-5.73 (m, 1H), 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.1-5 (m, 2H), 4.94 (s, powder 1H), 4.49 (d, 1H), 4.41-4.39 (m, 1H), 4.05-3.95 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.66-3.58 (m, 1H), 3.1-2.98 (m, 1H), 2.94 (t, 1H), 2.4-1.4 (m, 17H), 1.32-1.22 (m, 1H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.51 (s, 3H). RMN ¹³C (75 MHz, DMSO-d₆)δ 202.8 (C6), 164.2, 156.9, 116.6, 82.5, 71.7, 47.2, 37.7, 33.5, 31.6, 21.1. 29 435.6 white 99 436.2 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.94 (s, 1H), 4.50-4.48 (m, 1H), 4.42-4.39 powder (m, 1H), 4.10-4.02 (m, 2H), 3.8-3.72 (m, 1H), 3.7-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.52-3.48 (m, 2H), 3.24 (s, 3H), 3.08-3 (m, 1H), 2.94 (t, 1H), 2.28-2.03 (m, 3H), 1.92-1.42 (m, 12H), 1.34-1.20 (m, 1H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.51 (s, 3H). 30 445.6 beige 90 446.2 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.37-5.29 (m, 1H), 4.92 (s, 1H), 4.51-4.35 powder (m, 3H), 3.81-3.74 (m, 1H), 3.68-3.56 (m, 1H), 3.08-2.85 (m, 2H), 2.25-1.18 (m, 23H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.50 (s, 3H). 31 490.6 white 90 491.3 5.66 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.97 (s, 1H), 4.52-4.3 (m, 4H), 3.95-3.55 powder (m, 7H), 3.1-2.87 (m, 4H), 2.25-1.18 (m, 19H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.52 (s, 3H). 32 476.7 white 99 477.3 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.98 (s, 1H), 4.52 (d, 1H), 4.44-4.40 (m, powder 1H), 4.39-4 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.70-3.54 (m, 1H), 3.1-2.85 (m, 6H), 2.28-2.02 (m, 4H), 1.9-0.92 (m, 21H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.52 (s, 3H). 33 479.6 orange 99 480.2 7.34-7.24 (m, 2H), 6.97-6.89 (m, 3H), 6.14-6.08 (m, 1H), powder 5.57 (s, 1H), 4.48-4.15 (m, 6H), 3.66 (s, 1H), 3.47-3.37 (m, 1H), 2.35-1.95 (m, 4H), 1.92-1.65 (m, 8H), 1.62-1.43 (m, 4H), 0.97-0.94 (m, 6H). 34 508.6 white 96 509.2 8.57 (s, 1H), 6.35 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.72 (s, 1H), 4.47 (s, 4H), 3.74 powder (m, 3H), 2.28-1.25 (m, 19H), 0.75-0.65 (m, 3H), 0.5 (s, 3H). 35 448.6 white 97 449.2 5.66 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.97 (s, 1H), 4.55-4.25 (m, 4H), 3.77 (s, powder 1H), 3.68-3.56 (m, 1H), 3.12-2.9 (m, 3H), 2.77 (s, 6H), 2.28- 2.05 (m, 4H), 1.9-1.4 (m, 12H), 1.34-1.21 (m, 1H), 0.84 (s, 3H), 0.54 (s, 3H). 36 474.6 white 96 475.2 (in D₂O) δ 5.95 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.38-4.31 (m, 2H), 4.06-3.91 (m, powder 2H), 3.74-3.60 (m, 2H), 3.55-3.48 (m, 2H), 3.20-3.05 (m, 2H), 3.03-2.93 (m, 1H), 2.35-1.55 (m, 20H), 1.41-1.28 (m, 1H), 0.95 (s, 3H), 0.62 (s, 3H). ¹LCMS purity, UV at 254 nm

Example 4: Scheme D Preparation of Compound No. 37: N-(2,2-difluoroethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2-carboxamide

Step 1: Preparation of Compound No. 39: [(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[1-(2,2-difluoroethylamino)ethyl]-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol]

180 mg (0.46 mmol) of compound (e) [1-[(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethanone] obtained in step 2b of method B are dissolved in 5 ml of methanol and 0.21 ml (2.76 mmol) of 2,2-difluoroethanamine is added to the reaction medium. The pH of the solution is adjusted to 6 using the sufficient amount of concentrated acetic acid. 31.8 mg (0.506 mmol) of sodium cyanoborohydride are then added portionwise and the suspension obtained is refluxed for 20 h. The solvent is evaporated off and the residue obtained is taken up in 20 ml of water and the pH is adjusted to 8 using a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. This aqueous phase is extracted with two times 15 ml of butanol and the butanol phase is dried over solvate, filtered and evaporated to give a yellow solid, which, taken up in 30 ml of isopropyl ether and filtered, gives, after drying, 134 mg (yield: 62%) of compound No. 39 (2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[1-(2,2-difluoroethylamino)ethyl]-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol in the form of a yellow powder.

Compound No. 39:

LC-MS: m/z=457.4 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=97%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 6.30-6.23 (m, 1H), 5.95-5.70 (m, 1H), 4.43-4.25 (m, 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.65-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.42-3.32 (m, 1H), 2.88-2.76 (m, 2H), 2.29-2.23 (m, 1H), 1.99-1.15 (m, 16H), 1.05-0.82 (m, 3H), 0.73 (s, 3H), 0.61-0.53 (m, 3H).

Step 2: Preparation of Compound No. 37: N-(2,2-difluoroethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2-carboxamide

134 mg (0.285 mmol) of compound No. 39 [(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[1-(2,2-difluoroethylamino)ethyl]-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol] are dissolved in 2 ml of THF and 52 mg (0.854 mmol) of sodium bicarbonate are added to the reaction medium under an argon atmosphere. 30 μL (0.299 mmol) of furoyl chloride are added and the reaction medium is stirred for 20 h at 20° C. The solution is then poured onto 5 ml of water and extracted two times with 10 ml of butanol. The butanol phase is evaporated off to give 118 mg of solid purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel cartridge (95/5 dichloromethane/MeOH) to give 100 mg of white powder (yield: 60%) of compound No. 37: N-(2,2-difluoroethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-6-methoxyimino-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furane-2-carboxamide.

Compound No. 37:

LC-MS: m/z=551.3 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=93%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.87 (s, 1H), 7.03 (s, 1H), 6.64 (s, 1H), 6.25 (s, 1H), 4.58 (d, 1H), 4.43-4.27 (m, 3H), 3.95-3.83 (m, 1H), 3.75-3.65 (m, 4H), 3.63-3.49 (m, 2H), 2.85-2.68 (m, 1H), 2.31-2.18 (m, 1H), 2.01-1 (m, 17H), 0.73-0.15 (m, 6H).

Compounds Nos. 38 and 40 were prepared according to the same scheme.

MW MS m/z No. g/mol Appearance Purity¹ (%) MH⁺ ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 38 550.7 white 93 551.5 6.27 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.55-4.22 (m, 4H), 3.78-3.67 (m, 4H), powder 3.62-3.54 (m, 1H), 3.32-3.22 (m, 6H), 2.95-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.30-2.19 (m, 1H), 2-0.9 (m, 25H), 0.79-0.40 (m, 6H). 40 480.6 beige 99 481.4 6.35-6.24 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.25 (m, 4H), 3.71 (s, 3H), powder 3.65-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.40-3.20 (m, 7H), 2.88-2.76 (m, 1H), 2.75-2.66 (m, 1H), 2.29-2.22 (m, 1H), 2-1.15 (m, 15H), 1.05-0.76 (m, 4H), 0.73 (s, 3H), 0.61-0.54 (m, 3H). ¹LCMS purity, UV at 254 nm

Example 5: Scheme E Preparation of Compound No. 41: 2-methoxy-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetamide

Step 1: Preparation of Compound No. 42: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,145,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2-methoxyethylamino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

5 g (13.8 mmol) of poststerone (obtained by oxidative cleavage of the chain of 20-hydroxyecdysone according to the same procedure as that described in step 2 of scheme B) are dissolved in 250 ml of methanol and 7.2 ml (83 mmol) of 2-methoxyethylamine are added dropwise. The pH of the solution is then brought to pH 6 by adding concentrated acetic acid, and 250 ml of THF are added. 0.954 g of sodium cyanoborohydrure are added portionwise and the reaction medium is brought to reflux for 20 h. The solvents are evaporated off and the crude product obtained is taken up in 100 ml of water and the pH is adjusted to 8 by adding a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The medium is extracted three times with 80 ml of butanol and the butanol phase is evaporated off to give a brown foam which, taken up with 5 ml of ethyl acetate, gives, after filtration and drying, 3.32 g (yield: 57%) of compound No. 42: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2-methoxyethylamino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one in the form of a gray powder.

Compound No. 42:

LC-MS: m/z=422.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=95%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.70-5.60 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.80-4.62 (m, 1H), 4.55-4.47 (m, 1H), 4.43-4.35 (m, 1H), 3.78-3.70 (m, 2H), 3.68-3.50 (m, 3H), 3.30-3.18 (m, 5H), 3.10-2.91 (m, 1H), 2.30-0.9 (m, 18H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.59 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 202.9 (C₆), 120.5, 82.9, 66.7, 58.1, 46.2, 37.8, 30.5, 23.9, 6.2.

Step 2: Preparation of Compound No. 41: 2-methoxy-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetamide

According to the same procedure as step 2 of example 5, 89 mg (yield: 58%) of compound No. 41 [2-methoxy-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetamide] were obtained in the form of an orange powder from compound No. 42.

Compound No. 41:

LC-MS: m/z=494.4 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=94%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.63 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.88-4.7 (m, 1H), 4.5-4.35 (m, 2H), 4.2-3.9 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.52 (m, 1H), 3.5-3.3 (m, 4H), 3.28-3.18 (m, 6H), 3.08-2.9 (m, 1H), 2.3-0.95 (m, 18H), 0.88-0.75 (m, 3H), 0.7-0.42 (m, 3H).

Compounds Nos. 43 to 75 were prepared according to the same scheme:

MW Purity¹ MS m/z No. g/mol Appearance (%) MH⁺ ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 43 454.6 white 91 455.2 8.54-8.38 (m, 2H), 7.75-7.68 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.28 (m, 1H), powder 5.60 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.63 (s, 1H), 4.42 (d, 1H), 4.37-4.34 (m, 1H), 3.88-3.48 (m, 5H), 3.10-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.25-1.05 (m, 15H), 1.03 (d, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.52 (s, 3H). 44 476.7 white 91 477.3 5.67-5.60 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.98-4.40 (m, 3H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.68- powder 3.45 (m, 5H), 3.10-2.78 (m, 2H), 2.45-0.95 (m, 26H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.64-0.58 (m, 3H). 45 403.6 white 85 404.2 5.73-5.60 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.80-4.62 (m, 1H), 4.56-4.50 (m, powder 1H), 4.46-4.38 (m, 1H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.53 (m, 2H), 3.53-3.45 (m, 1H), 3.10-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.30-0.98 (m, 22H), 0.84 (s, 3H), 0.65-0.5 (m, 3H). 46 447.6 yellow 92 448.2 5.69-5.61 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.92-4.75 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.33 (m, oil 2H), 4.18-3.55 (m, 4H), 3.1-2.7 (m, 3H), 2.3-1 (m, 24H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.65-0.55 (m, 3H). 13C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d₆)δ 202.8 (C6), 163.9, 120.5, 82.8, 67.5, 66.7, 50.1, 46.2, 37.7, 36.6, 33.3, 28.9, 25.2, 23.9, 20, 15.2. 47 515.7 white 93 516.1 5.68-5.60 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.87-4.65 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.35 (m, powder 2H), 4.08-3.88 (m, 1H), 3.81-3.50 (m, 4H), 3.35-3.25 (m, 2H), 3.08-2.9 (m, 1H), 2.3-0.95 (m, 23H), 0.9-0.4 (m, 10H). 48 501.7 white 97 502.4 6.85-6.65 (m, 1H), 6.20-5.9 (m, 1H), 5.70-5.50 (m, 2H), powder 4.85-4.70 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.30 (m, 2H), 4.2-3.8 (m, 1H), 3.77- 3.70 (m, 2H), 3.68-3.40 (m, 3H), 3.10-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.27-1 (m, 23H), 0.85-0.75 (m, 3H), 0.70-0.46 (m, 3H). 49 515.6 white 99 516.3 7.82 (s, 1H), 6.93 (s, 1H), 6.60 (s, 1H), 5.65-5.55 (m, 1H), powder 4.84 (s, 1H), 4.48-4.35 (m, 2H), 4.30-4.20 (m, 1H), 3.77- 3.33 (m, 3H), 3.32-3.12 (m, 5H), 3.10-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.25-1 (m, 18H), 0.84-0.76 (m, 3H), 0.74-0.17 (m, 3H). 50 503.7 mauve 99 504.3 5.62 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.88-4.65 (m, 1H), 4.47-4.33 (m, 2H), 4.08- powder 3.85 (m, 1H), 3.8-3.5 (m, 4H), 3.08-2.9 (m, 2H), 2.3-0.9 (m, 28H), 0.88-0.72 (m, 3H), 0.69-0.4 (m, 3H). 51 519.7 white 94 520.4 5.63 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.88-4.7 (m, 1H), 4.45-4.35 (m, 2H), 3.75 powder (s, 1H), 3.68-3.52 (m, 1H), 3.52-3.35 (m, 2H), 3.27-3.21 (m, 5H), 3.08-2.9 (m, 1H), 2.26-0.86 (m, 23H), 0.87-0.72 (m, 9H), 0.70-0.47 (m, 3H). 52 503.7 orange 99 504.4 5.91-5.75 (m, 1H), 5.68-5.60 (m, 1H(C7)), 5.07-4.89 (m, powder 2H), 4.83-4.65 (m, 1H), 4.45-4.28 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.52 (m, 1H), 3.46-3.35 (m, 2H), 3.30-3.15 (m, 5H), 3.08-2.09 (m, 1H), 2.47-0.92 (m, 22H), 0.90-0.77 (m, 3H), 0.7-0.45 (m, 3H). 53 531.7 white 99 532.4 7.76-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.39-7.32 (m, 1H), 7.12-7.08 (m, 1H), powder 5.59 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.81 (s, 1H), 4.43-4.22 (m, 2H), 3.78-3.53 (m, 2H), 3.52-3.32 (m, 2H), 3.28-3.08 (m, 5H), 3.05-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.25-1.15 (m, 18H), 0.83-0.76 (m, 3H), 0.70-0.15 (m, 3H). 54 475.6 white 99 476.3 5.63 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.78-4.68 (m, 1H), 4.45-4.32 (m, 2H), 4.28- powder 4.08 (m, 2H), 3.8-3.7 (m, 1H), 3.68-3.54 (m, 1H), 3.28-3.18 (m, 5H), 3.05-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.25-1.09 (m, 17H), 0.88-0.7 (m, 7H), 0.68-0.52 (m, 3H). 55 459.6 white 99 460.3 5.63 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.78-4.52 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.32 (m, 2H), 3.76 powder (s, 1H), 3.68-3.54 (m, 1H), 3.05-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.48-1.08 (m, 21H), 1.02-0.92 (m, 3H), 0.90-0.69 (m, 7H), 0.68-0.52 (m, 3H). 56 532.7 white 99 533.3 7.89 (d, 2H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 5.66 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.81 (s, 1H), powder 4.49-4.32 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.54 (m, 1H), 3.05- 2.85 (m, 1H), 2.80-2.72 (m, 1H), 2.27-1.18 (m, 18H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.73-0.22 (m, 7H). 57 534.7 white 99 535.3 5.62 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.78 (s, 1H), 4.46 (d, 1H), 4.39-4.35 (m, powder 1H), 3.75 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.4 (m, 5H), 3.28-3.13 (m, 5H), 3.10- 2.82 (m, 7H), 2.4-1.1 (m, 18H), 0.88-0.75 (m, 3H), 0.65-0.51 (m, 3H). 58 508.7 pink 99 509.4 8.68-8.55 (m, 2H), 7.85-7.77 (m, 1H), 7.5-7.35 (m, 1H), 5.66 powder (s, 1H(C7)), 4.82 (s, 1H), 4.48-4.30 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.54 (m, 1H), 3.12-2.78 (m, 2H), 2.25-1.15 (m, 18H), 0.88-0.18 (m, 10H). 59 537.7 white 92 538.8 7.42 (t, 2H), 6.98-6.85 (m, 2H), 5.69-5.62 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.85- powder 4.79 (m, 1H), 4.49-4.35 (m, 2H), 3.78-3.73 (m, 4H), 3.67- 3.51 (m, 1H), 3.10-2.87 (m, 2H), 2.27-1.20 (m, 18H), 0.87- 0.83 (m, 3H), 0.74-0.18 (m, 7H). 60 545.7 white 99 546.2 7.83 (s, 1H), 6.94 (s, 1H), 6.61 (s, 1H), 5.67-5.57 (m, powder 1H(C7)), 4.84 (s, 1H), 4.63-4.17 (m, 4H), 3.75 (s, 1H), 3.67- 3.51 (m, 2H), 3.29-3.24 (m, 6H), 3.10-2.87 (m, 1H), 2.25- 1.03 (m, 18H), 0.85-0.74 (m, 3H), 0.70-0.10 (m, 3H). 61 505.7 white 99 506.2 6.85-6.65 (m, 1H), 6.20-6.00 (m, 1H), 5.70-5.62 (m, 2H), powder 4.87-4.70 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.36 (m, 2H), 3.75 (s, 1H), 3.65- 3.42 (m, 2H), 3.29-3.24 (m, 6H), 3.10-2.87 (m, 2H), 2.27- 0.98 (m, 19H), 0.86-0.78 (m, 3H), 0.70-0.46 (m, 3H). 62 519.7 white 99 520.3 5.63 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.9-4.65 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.36 (m, 2H), 4.25- powder 3.85 (m, 3H), 3.82-3.70 (m, 2H), 3.68-3.56 (m, 2H), 3.29- 3.23 (m, 3H), 3.08-2.93 (m, 2H), 2.28-1.02 (m, 23H), 0.86- 0.79 (m, 3H), 0.66-0.47 (m, 3H). 63 541.7 white 97 542.2 7.84-7.75 (m, 1H), 6.94-6.86 (m, 1H), 6.62-6.57 (m, 1H), powder 5.64-5.53 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.84 (s, 1H), 4.48-4.36 (m, 2H), 4.34- 3.80 (m, 2H), 3.78-3.50 (m, 5H), 3.08-2.93 (m, 2H), 2.24- 1.05 (m, 21H), 0.85-0.74 (m, 3H), 0.73-0.16 (m, 3H). 64 561.7 white 97 no mass 7.77-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.30 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.09 (m, 1H), powder 5.70-5.56 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.84 (s, 1H), 4.62-4.17 (m, 4H), 3.74- 3.51 (m, 3H), 3.32-3.26 (m, 6H), 3.08-2.93 (m, 2H), 2.24- 1.15 (m, 17H), 0.85-0.70 (m, 3H), 0.68-0.17 (m, 3H). 65 519.7 white 97 520.2 5.68-5.60 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.86-4.70 (m, 1H), 4.56-4.34 (m, powder 3H), 3.75 (s, 1H), 3.67-3.53 (m, 2H), 3.30-3.23 (m, 6H), 3.10-2.9 (m, 2H), 2.23-0.93 (m, 19H), 0.87-0.77 (m, 3H), 0.75-0.40 (m, 7H). 66 521.7 white 94 522.3 5.63 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.86-4.70 (m, 1H), 4.55-4.34 (m, 3H), 3.76 powder (s, 1H), 3.68-3.53 (m, 1H), 3.35-3.20 (m, 6H), 3.10-2.87 (m, 2H), 2.29-0.9 (m, 26H), 0.88-0.72 (m, 3H), 0.69-0.41 (m, 3H). 67 521.6 white 99 522.1 7.87 (s, 1H), 7.07-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.67-6.61 (m, 1H), 5.63- powder 5.54 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.88-4.84 (m, 1H), 4.45-4.32 (m, 3H), 4.01-3.35 (m, 3H), 3.10-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.25-1.05 (m, 19H), 0.80-0.76 (m, 3H), 0.70-0.17 (m, 3H). 68 495.6 white 99 496.2 6.43-5.87 (m, 1H), 5.67-5.63 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.88-4.70 (m, powder 1H), 4.47-4.25 (m, 3H), 3.80-3.52 (m, 3H), 3.10-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.30-0.95 (m, 19H), 0.90-0.46 (m, 10H). 69 481.6 white 99 482.1 6.95-6.68 (m, 1H), 6.38-5.90 (m, 2H), 5.78-5.61 (m, 2H), powder 4.88-4.70 (m, 1H), 4.47-4.34 (m, 2H), 4.15-3.85 (m, 1H), 3.83-3.74 (m, 2H), 3.68-3.5 (m, 1H), 3.10-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.30-0.98 (m, 18H), 0.81-0.77 (m, 3H), 0.65 (s, 1H), 0.50(s, 2H). 70 427.5 yellow 99 428.1 6.13-5.59 (m, 1H), 5.61 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.63 (s, 1H), 4.44 (s, powder 1H), 4.35 (s, 1H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.53 (m, 1H), 3.10-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.30-2.15 (m, 2H), 2-1.1 (m, 16H), 0.97 (s, 3H), 0.84 (s, 3H), 0.61 (s, 3H). 71 527.6 yellow 99 528.2 6.13-5.71 (m, 1H), 5.67 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.03-4.99 (m, 1H), 4.77 powder (s, 1H), 4.70-4.57 (m, 1H), 3.99 (s, 1H), 3.12-3 (m, 1H), 2.92-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.30-2.24 (m, 1H), 2.10-1.18 (m, 24H), 1.08-0.96 (m, 3H), 0.87 (s, 3H), 0.57 (s, 3H). 72 526.7 yellow 99 527.2 8.50-8.37 (m, 2H), 7.64-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.28 (m, 1H), powder 5.67-5.62 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.95-4 (m, 6H), 3.83-3.50 (m, 3H), 3.35-3.24 (m, 3H), 3.12-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.25-0.80 (m, 18H), 0.84 (s, 3H), 0.70 (m, 3H). 73 548.7 yellow 99 549.2 8.55-8.32 (m, 2H), 7.88-7.80 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.60 (m, 1H), powder 7.34-7.25 (m, 1H), 7.05-6.80 (m, 1H), 6.66-6.40 (m, 1H), 5.62 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.90-4.70 (m, 2H), 4.49-4.27 (m, 3H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.69-3.53 (m, 1H), 3.12-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.27-0.95 (m, 18H), 0.84-0.73 (m, 3H), 0.65-0.19 (m, 3H). 74 522.7 yellow 96 523.2 8.60-8.30 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.5 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.25 (m, 1H), powder 5.67-5.62 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.92-4.75 (m, 2H), 4.5-4.3 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.69-3.53 (m, 1H), 3.12-2.89 (m, 1H), 2.28- 0.96 (m, 20H), 0.97-0.40 (m, 10H). 75 491.7 white 99 492.2 5.68-5.60 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.84 (s, 1H), 4.82-4.65 (m, 1H), 4.46- powder 4.32 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.52 (m, 2H), 3.48-3.38 (m, 1H), 3.23-3.19 (m, 5H), 3.20-2.71 (m, 3H), 2.29-0.90 (m, 22H), 0.80-0.77 (m, 3H), 0.71-0.45 (m, 3H). ¹LCMS purity, UV at 254 nm

Example 6: Scheme F Preparation of Compound No. 76: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2-methoxyethyl(methyl)amino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

155 mg (0.368 mmol) of compound No. 42 [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2-methoxyethylamino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one] prepared according to the technique described in step 1 of example 5 are dissolved in 2.5 ml of DMF and 61.8 mg (0.735 mmol) of sodium bicarbonate are added to the reaction medium, along with 0.034 ml (0.552 mmol) of iodomethane. The suspension obtained is stirred at 20° C. for 20 h. The solution is then poured onto 15 ml of water and extracted three times with 15 ml of butanol. The butanol phase is evaporated off to give 220 mg of powder purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel cartridge (95/5 dichloromethane/MeOH) to give 40 mg of white powder (yield: 25%) of compound No. 76: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2-methoxyethyl(methyl)amino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one in the form of a white powder.

Compound No. 76:

LC-MS: m/z=436.3 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.61 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.64 (s, 1H), 4.47-4.34 (m, 2H), 3.75 (s, 1H), 3.67-3.50 (m, 1H), 3.25-3.16 (m, 5H), 3.05-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.27-1.15 (m, 20H), 0.90-0.70 (m, 6H), 0.59 (s, 3H).

Compounds Nos. 77 to 80 were prepared according to the same scheme.

MW Purity¹ MS m/z No. g/mol Appearance (%) MH⁺ ¹H NMR(300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 77 461.6 white 86 462.3 5.68-5.58 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.50-4.30 (m, 2H), 3.85-3.50 (m, powder 4H), 3.10-2.90 (m, 2H), 2.25-1.10 (m, 25H), 0.90-0.75 (m, 6H), 0.65-0.45 (m, 3H). 78 417.6 white 99 418.3 5.63-5.58 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.65 (s, 1H), 4.42 (d, 1H), 4.38-4.33 powder (m, 1H), 3.75 (s, 1H), 3.67-3.53 (m, 1H), 3.04-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.96-2.67 (m, 1H), 2.23-1.12 (m, 18H), 0.89 (d, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.57-0.15 (m, 7H). 79 465.6 beige 94 466.2 5.67-5.57 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.70-4.64 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.33 (m, powder 3H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.65-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.27-3.22 (m, 6H), 3.05-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.26-1.10 (m, 20H), 0.87-0.73 (m, 6H), 0.64-0.47 (m, 3H). 80 441.6 yellow 99 442.1 6.25-5.75 (m, 1H), 5.65-5.61 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.71-4.66 (m, powder 1H), 4.48-4.40 (m, 1H), 4.39-4.35 (m, 1H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.65-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.05-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.76-2.70 (m, 1H), 2.28-1.15 (m, 19H), 0.90-0.80 (m, 6H), 0.62-0.46 (m, 3H). ¹LCMS purity, UV at 254 nm

Example 7: Scheme G Preparation of Compound No. 81: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-(2-morpholinoacetyl)-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

Step 1: Preparation of Compound No. 102: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-bromoacetyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

1 g (2.76 mmol) of poststerone (obtained by oxidative cleavage of the chain of 20-hydroxyecdysone according to the same procedure as that described in step 2 of scheme B) is dissolved in 20 ml of methanol. The solution is cooled to 0° C. and 0.284 ml (5.52 mmol) of bromine is added dropwise and the reaction medium is stirred for 1 h at this temperature, then left at ambient temperature for 16 h. The reaction medium is poured onto 50 ml of a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted three times with 100 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phases are washed with 50 ml of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, then salt water, dried over sodium sulfate, and filtered, and the solvent is evaporated off to give 833 mg of powder, which, taken up in 30 ml of dichloromethane, gives, after filtration and desiccation, 412 mg (yield: 31%) of compound No. 102: 2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-bromoacetyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one in the form of a yellow powder.

Compound No. 102:

LC-MS: m/z=443.1 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=91%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.69-5.63 (m, 1H(C7)), 5.08 (s, 1H), 4.42-4.35 (m, 3H), 4.33-4.22 (m, 1H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.66-3.58 (m, 1H), 3.39 (t, 1H), 3.10-2.95 (m, 1H), 2.25-1.20 (m, 13H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.51 (s, 3H).

Step 2: Preparation of Compound No. 81: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-(2-morpholinoacetyl)-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

50 mg (0.103 mmol) of compound No. 102 [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-bromoacetyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one] are dissolved in 1 ml of DMF and 42.7 mg of potassium carbonate are added, along with 10.78 μl (0.124 mmol) of morpholine. After stirring for 18 h at 20° C., the reaction medium is poured onto 10 ml of water and this aqueous phase is extracted two times with 15 ml of butanol. The organic phase is evaporated off to give 71 mg of powder purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel cartridge (90/10 dichloromethane/MeOH) to give 28 mg (yield: 60%) of compound No. 81: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-(2-morpholinoacetyl)-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one in the form of a white powder.

Compound No. 81:

LC-MS: m/z=448.4 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.02 (s, 1H), 4.45 (d, 1H), 4.40-4.37 (m, 1H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.53 (m, 5H), 3.34-3.24 (m, 4H), 3.08-2.95 (m, 1H), 2.45-1.17 (m, 16H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.48 (s, 3H).

Compounds No. 82 to 94 were prepared according to the same scheme.

MW Purity¹ MS m/z No. g/mol Appearance (%) MH⁺ ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 82 474.6 orange 99 475.3 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.03 (s, 1H), 4.49-4.38 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, powder 1H), 3.68-3.53 (m, 1H), 3.3-3.1 (m, 4H), 3.08-2.95 (m, 1H), 2.9-2.45 (m, 6H), 2.28-0.92 (m, 19H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.48 (s, 3H). 83 475.6 white 99 476.6 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.01 (s, 1H), 4.45 (d, 1H), 4.41-4.38 (m, powder 1H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.7-3.48 (m, 3H), 3.35-3.23 (m, 2H), 3.08-2.95 (m, 1H), 2.72-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.28-2 (m, 3H), 1.9-1.38 (m, 12H), 1.35-1.18 (m, 1H), 1.05-0.85 (m, 6H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.48 (s, 3H). 84 462.6 yellow 99 463.3 5.66 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.08 (s, 1H), 4.55-4.25 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, powder 1H), 3.70-3.45 (m, 4H), 3.25-2.90 (m, 5H), 2.80-2.60 (m, 6H), 2.33-1.15 (m, 16H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.50 (s, 3H). 85 479.6 yellow 99 480.3 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.01 (s, 1H), 4.48-4.37 (m, 3H), 3.77 (s, oil 1H), 3.70-3.52 (m, 1H), 3.25 (s, 6H), 3.25-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.57-2.47 (m, 2H), 2.3-1.19 (m, 19H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.48 (s, 3H). 86 447.6 orange 99 448.2 5.67 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.44-5.39 (m, 1H), 5.14 (s, 1H), 4.5-4.15 oil (m, 5H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.27-3.15 (m, 4H), 3.25-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.25-1.17 (m, 16H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.54 (s, 3H). 87 435.6 colorless 99 436.2 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.02 (s, 1H), 4.49-4.38 (m, 3H), 3.77 (s, oil 1H), 3.68-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.52-3.36 (m, 2H), 3.30-3.18 (m, 2H), 3.25-2.95 (m, 1H), 2.30-1.17 (m, 19H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.48 (s, 3H). 88 461.6 white 99 462.2 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.02 (s, 1H), 4.58 (s, 1H), 4.46 (s, 1H), powder 4.42-4.39 (m, 1H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.48- 3.33 (m, 1H), 3.31-3.17 (m, 2H), 3.08-2.95 (m, 1H), 2.70- 2.56 (m, 2H), 2.3-1.18 (m, 20H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.47 (s, 3H). 89 489.7 colorless 99 490.3 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.01 (s, 1H), 4.48-4.30 (m, 3H), 3.77 (s, oil 1H), 3.68-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.45-3.35 (m, 2H), 3.28-3.11 (m, 2H), 3.08-2.95 (m, 1H), 2.85-2.58 (m, 2H), 2.28-1.03 (m, 23H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.47 (s, 3H). 90 459.6 colorless 99 460.3 5.64 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.01 (s, 1H), 4.49-4.38 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, oil 1H), 3.68-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.25-3.20 (m, 1H), 3.10-2.85 (m, 2H), 2.77-2.61 (m, 2H), 2.25-1.03 (m, 21H), 0.88 (d, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.47 (s, 3H). 91 476.7 yellow 99 477.3 5.66 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.10 (s, 1H), 4.55-4.40 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, powder 1H), 3.68-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.22 (t, 2H), 3.15-2.93 (m, 3H), 2.75 (s, 6H), 2.35-1.20 (m, 21H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.51 (s, 3H). 92 480.6 white 99 481.1 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.06 (s, 1H), 4.46 (d, 1H), 4.41-4.38 (m, powder 1H), 4.08 (q, 2H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.51 (m, 3H), 3.32 (s, 2H), 3.08-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.28-1.25 (m, 14H), 1.19 (t, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.49 (s, 3H). 93 422.6 white 99 423.1 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.06 (s, 1H), 4.46 (d, 1H), 4.41-4.38 (m, powder 1H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.51 (m, 1H), 3.50-3.36 (m, 2H), 3.08-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.48-2.40 (m, 2H), 2.28-1.20 (m, 14H), 1.14 (t, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.51 (s, 3H). 94 438.6 white 99 439.2 5.65 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.05 (s, 1H), 4.81 (t, 1H), 4.46 (d, 1H), powder 4.41-4.38 (m, 1H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.52- 3.40 (m, 4H), 3.08-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.58-2.50 (m, 2H), 2.23- 1.20 (m, 14H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.50 (s, 3H). ¹LCMS purity, UV at 254 nm

Example 8: Scheme H Preparation of Compound No. 95: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-ethoxyacetyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

100 mg (0.227 mmol) of compound No. 102 [2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-bromoacetyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one] prepared in step 1 of example 7 are dissolved in 2 ml of ethanol and 0.102 ml (0.272 mmol) of a solution of sodium ethoxide at 21% in ethanol, diluted in 1 ml of ethanol, is added dropwise and the solution obtained is brought to reflux for 30 min. The reaction medium cooled to 20° C. is poured onto 25 ml of water and extracted with two times 20 ml of butanol. The organic phase is evaporated off to give 30 mg of an oil purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel cartridge (95/5 dichloromethane/MeOH) to give 13.5 mg (yield: 14%) of compound No. 95: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(2-ethoxyacetyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one in the form of a yellow oil.

Compound No. 95:

LC-MS: m/z=407.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=93%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.65-5.59 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.96 (s, 1H), 4.46 (d, 1H), 4.41-4.36 (m, 1H), 4.03 (q, 2H), 3.77 (s, 1H), 3.68-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.08-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.75-2.62 (m, 1H), 2.3-2.15 (m, 2H), 1.92-1.42 (m, 13H), 1.18 (t, 3H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.58-0.49 (m, 3H).

Compound No. 96 was prepared according to the same scheme

MW Purity¹ MS m/z No. g/mol Appearance (%) MH⁺ ¹H NMR(300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 96 448.6 white 99 449.1 5.61 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.23-5.15 (m, 1H), 4.97 (s, 1H), 4.48-4.42 powder (m, 1H), 4.39-4.35 (m, 1H), 3.82-3.55 (m, 6H), 3.08-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.72-2.55 (m, 1H), 2.32-1.17 (m, 17H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.58 (s, 3H). ¹LCMS purity, UV at 254 nm

Example 9: Scheme I Preparation of Compound No. 97: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxyethyl(methyl)amino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one

157 mg (0.360 mmol) of compound No. 87 [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[2-(2-hydroxyethyl(methyl)amino)acetyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one] obtained according to the method of step 2 of example 7 are dissolved in 7.5 ml of ethanol and 21.14 mg (0.559 mmol) of sodium borohydride are added portionwise. After stirring for 16 h at 20° C., the reaction medium is poured onto 20 ml of water and extracted with three times 15 ml of butanol. The organic phase is evaporated off to give a powder purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel cartridge (85/14/1 dichloromethane/MeOH/NH₄OH) to give 96 mg (yield: 60%) of compound No. 97: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-hydroxy-2-(2-hydroxyethyl(methyl)amino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one in the form of a white powder.

Compound No. 97:

LC-MS: m/z=438.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.6 (s, 1H(C7)), 5.32-5.2 (m, 2H), 4.77 (s, 1H), 4.47 (d, 1H), 4.42-4.38 (m, 1H), 3.92-3.57 (m, 4H), 3.3-2.95 (m, 4H), 2.82 (s, 3H), 2.31-1.18 (m, 16H), 0.85 (s, 3H), 0.69 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 203.2, 164.9, 121.0, 82.8, 66.9, 59.0, 55.6, 50.6, 46.9, 40.7, 37, 34, 31.9, 31.1, 30.3, 24.5, 23.2, 20.4, 16.3.

Compounds No. 98 to 100 were prepared according to the same scheme.

MW Purity¹ MS m/z No. g/mol Appearance (%) MH⁺ ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 98 440.6 white 99 441.1 5.6 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.76 (t, 1H), 4.65 (s, 1H), 4.47 (d, 1H), powder 4.43 (d, 1H), 4.36-4.33 (m, 1H), 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.82-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.53-3.45 (m, 3H), 3.08-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.65- 2.55 (m, 3H), 2.45-1.10 (m, 15H), 0.84 (s, 3H), 0.63 (s, 3H). 99 491.66 white 99 492.2 5.61 (s, 1H(C7)), 4.70-4.62 (m, 1H), 4.48-4.28 (m, 3H), powder 3.76 (s, 1H), 3.65-3.55 (m, 1H), 3.53-3.31 (m, 3H), 3.03-2.84 (m, 2H), 2.78-2.65 (m, 1H), 2.25-1.04 (m, 26H), 0.84 (s, 3H), 0.70-0.55 (m, 3H). 100 449.58 orange 98 450.2 (in DMSO + D2O) δ 5.65-5.58 (m, 1H(C7)), 4.23-4.13 oil (m, 1H), 3.75 (s, 1H), 3.04-2.93 (m, 1H), 2.87-2.65 (m, 2H), 2.25-1.10 (m, 22H), 0.83 (s, 3H), 0.63 (m, 3H). ¹LCMS purity, UV at 254 nm

Example 10: Scheme J Preparation of Compound No. 101: (2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-6-methoxyimino-17-(N-methoxy-C-(morpholinomethyl)carbonimidoyl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol

30 μl (0.301 mmol) of methoxylamine hydrochloride are dissolved in 0.6 ml of pyridine and 136 mg (0.301 mmol) of compound No. 81 [(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-(2-morpholinoacetyl)-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one] prepared in step 2 of example 7 are added portionwise. After stirring for 36 h at 20° C., the reaction medium is taken up in 10 ml of dichloromethane and this solution is washed two times with salt water, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to give a powder purified by flash chromatography on a silica gel cartridge (90/10 dichloromethane/MeOH) to give 81 mg (yield: 53%) of compound No. 101: (2S,3R,5R,6E,10R,13R,14S,17S)-6-methoxyimino-17-(N-methoxy-C-(morpholinomethyl)carbonimidoyl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-2,3,14-triol in the form of a yellow powder.

Compound No. 101:

LC-MS: m/z=506.2 (MH⁺) UV purity at 254 nm=99%.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ mixture of C6 (Z) and (E) conformers: 6.28 (s, 0.45H (C7-conformer E), 5.72 (s, 0.55H (C7-conformer Z), 4.62 (s, 0.45H-conformer E), 4.53 (s, 0.55H-conformer Z), 4.47-4.35 (m, 1H), 4.33-4.21 (m, 1H), 3.77-3.70 (m, 7H), 3.60-3.48 (m, 5H), 3.16-3.06 (m, 1H), 2.90-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.45-1.20 (m, 18H), 0.72 (s, 3H), 0.64-0.57 (m, 3H).

Cascade for Screening and Characterization of the Biological Effects of the 20-Hydroxyecdysone Derivatives

The development of the screening test was initiated on the basis of the studies in the literature and was based on the characteristics of the pathology of sarcopenia. At the physiopathological level, this disease is characterized by a decrease in protein synthesis and an increase in proteolysis. The development of future medicaments should thus be screened on molecular factors in relation to these two phenomena.

At the cellular level, on cultures of muscle cells derived from the C2C12 murine line, Gorelick-Feldman et al. (2008) showed that treatment with phytoecdysones increases protein synthesis by +20% on average. The first development studies were based on the culture and treatment conditions described by Gorelick-Feldman in the presence of reference products (IGF-1 and 20-hydroxyecdysone or 20E). Measurements of tritiated leucine incorporation into these cells were carried out in order to evaluate the de novo protein synthesis. These first results made it possible to determine that the optimal sequence for observing the effects of phytoecdysones on protein synthesis was to differentiate the cells for 5 days, then to add the tritiated leucine for 2 h 30 in the presence of IGF-1 or of 20E.

The analysis of the literature showed that molecules such as IGF-1 increased protein synthesis only by 20%, while at the same time activating targets of this signaling pathway in a more sustained manner that could reach stimulations of about 200% [Kazi et al., 2010]. These targets comprise phosphorylations that activate proteins such as Akt or S6 kinase. Furthermore, in the same C2C12 cell system, Zubeldia et al. (2012) analyzed the phenomena of apoptosis and proteolysis. In their study, they in particular reported that plant extracts containing phytoecdysones such as turkesterone or 20E were capable, after 24 h of treatment of differentiated C2C12 cells, of inhibiting myostatin and caspase 3 gene expression by a factor of 4 and 2, respectively [Zubeldia et al., 2012].

After several experiments in which the C2C12 cells differentiated into myotubes were incubated in the presence of IGF-1 or 20E for 2 h 30 or 6 h, two screening tests were developed. Thus, the phosphorylation of the S6 protein kinase and the expression of the myostatin gene were studied in order to determine their modulation by a growth hormone or an ecdysone and to characterize these modulations from a statistical point of view.

Protocols

Inhibition of Myostatin Expression in C2C12 Cells:

The C2C12 myoblast cells (ATCC CRL-1772) are seeded into 24-well plates at a density of 30 000 cells per well and cultured in a DMEM medium containing glucose in a proportion of 4.5 g/l and supplemented with fetal calf serum (10%) and with antibiotics (penicillin and streptomycin). Forty-eight hours later, the myoblasts are induced to differentiate by partial serum depletion (2% instead of 10%) for 5 days. The cells are then placed in a medium which is glucose-depleted (DMEM containing 1 g/l of glucose) and serum-free in the presence of the test molecules or of the references (100 ng/ml IGF-1 or 10 μM 20E) for 6 h. At the end of the experiment, the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are extracted using the conventional methodology based on phenol and chloroform. Briefly, the cells are lysed in a Trizol solution (Sigma T9424) containing a strong acid and phenol. The mRNAs are separated from the proteins by addition of chloroform and then centrifugation. They are then precipitated from isopropanol and then suspended at a concentration of 1 μg/μl in an RNAses-free and DNAses-free ultrapure water. 1 μg of mRNA is then converted by reverse transcription into complementary DNA by the AMV enzyme in the presence of a primer and of a mixture of nucleotides according to the protocol given by the supplier (Applied Biosystems 4368814). The gene expression is studied by chain reaction initiated by a polymerase enzyme and commonly referred to as PCR under quantitative conditions, hence the specific name qPCR. The qPCRs are carried out on a 7900HT Fast real-Time PCR detection system (Applied Biosystems). The programming conditions are standard and consist of 1 cycle at 95° C. for 15 min, followed by 40 cycles at 95° C. for 15 s and at 60° C. for 1 min and the program ends with a melt curve step between 60° C. and 95° C. The samples analyzed all contain 100 ng of cDNA, a qPCR buffer including the enzyme, the mixture of oligonucleotides and the intercalating agent (sybergreen or SYBRgreen), and the pair of primers specific for the gene studied, strategically chosen between two exon sequences and at a final concentration of 200 nM. Fluorescent probes bind to the double-stranded DNA and are fluorescent only once bound to the DNA. A fluorescence threshold is established by the machine's program. When the amount of DNA allows the fluorescent probe to exceed this threshold, a PCR cycle number, called “Ct” for “Cycle Threshold”, is obtained. It is this value which forms the basis of the calculations to quantify the DNA relatively. A ratio R is established between the amount of starting DNA of a sample and that of a control, which has not undergone treatment (i.e. R=2^(−(Ct sample−Ct control))) and this measurement will be related to that of a housekeeping gene known not to be modulated by the treatment (i.e. R=2^(−ΔΔCt)).

The primers used are reported in the following table:

TABLE 3 primers used to evaluate the gene expression modifications Number Gene 5′ → 3′ sequence of bases Tm Accession No. Myostatin d GAGTCTGACTTTCTAATGCAAG 21 62 mouse: NM_010834 Myostatin ind TGTTGTAGGAGTCTTGACGG 20 60 rat: AF019624 Atrogin d AGAGTCGGCAAGTCTGTGCT 20 62 mouse: AF441120 Atrogin ind GTGAGGCCTTTGAAGGCAG 19 60 human: NM_058229 beta-actin d CTCTAGACTTCGAGCAGGAG 20 62 mouse: X03672 beta-actin ind GGTACCACCAGACAGCACT 19 60

Phosphorylation of the S6 Kinase:

The C2C12 myoblast cells (ATCC CRL-1772) are seeded into 6-well plates at a density of 170 000 cells per well and cultured in a DMEM medium containing glucose in a proportion of 4.5 g/l and supplemented with fetal calf serum (10%) and with antibiotics (penicillin and streptomycin). Forty-eight hours later, the myoblasts are induced to differentiate by partial serum depletion (2% instead of 10%) for 5 days. The cells are then placed in a medium which is glucose-depleted (DMEM containing 1 g/l of glucose) and serum-free in the presence of the test molecules or of the references (100 ng/ml IGF-1 or 10 μM 20E) for 2 h. At the end of the experiment, the cells are lysed in a commercial lysis buffer (Invitrogen FNN0011) supplemented with a commercial mixture of anti-proteases (Roche 05056489001). After centrifugation, the cytoplasmic fraction containing the soluble proteins is kept and the protein concentration is determined using a commercial kit (Biorad 500-0114), the principle of which is composed of assaying by the Lowry method. The assaying of the S6 kinase phosphorylation is carried out using a commercial ELISA (Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) kit (Cell signaling 7063). Briefly, 50 μg of protein lysate are deposited in the wells of a 96-well microplate and incubated overnight at 4° C. with the solution of antigen specific for the pS6 kinase threonine 389 antibody. The binding of the antigen to the bottom of the wells is done electrostatically. The solution of antibody to be assayed (pS6K T389) is then incubated at 37° C. in the wells for 2 hours. The antibodies bind specifically to the antigen. The wells are then washed with washing buffer in order to remove the antigen-specific primary antibodies to be assayed which are in excess. The third step consists in binding the detection antibody. The solution of detection antibodies is incubated at 37° C. in the wells for 1 hour. The wells are then washed in order to remove the excess detection antibodies. It should be noted that the detection antibodies are coupled to an enzyme which, in the presence of its substrate, converts it into a reaction product that can be detected and measured by virtue of the appearance of a coloration. The final step consists in revealing the bound antibodies. A revealing solution containing the substrate for the enzyme, in this case TMB (3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine), is incubated at 37° C. in the dark for 30 min. The appearance of a blue coloration in the substrate indicates the presence of the antibody to be assayed. In order to prevent any saturation phenomenon, a stop solution (generally containing sodium hydroxide) is added and brings about a change in coloration, which goes from blue to yellow. The strength thereof is proportional to the amount of enzyme present and thus to the concentration of antibody sought. The strength of the signal is measured using spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 450 nm.

Evaluation of the Effect of the Molecules in a Model of Mice Subjected to a High-Fat Diet

The 20E as comparative compound and the compounds according to the invention (Nos. 51 and 93) were administered orally, at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight, to 12-week-old C57BL/6J mice subjected to a high-fat diet for 6 weeks. The effect of the compounds on the weight and the amount of proteins of the Soleus muscle and also the transcripts of genes involved in myogenesis were evaluated.

Myogenesis, which is the process for forming muscle tissues, is controlled by several myogenic transcription factors which act as end effectors of the signaling cascade and produce transcripts involved in the various stages of development. The roles of the transcription factors have been described in various journals (Sabourin and Rudnicki 2000 and Le Grand and Rudnicki 2007). The Pax7 protein (Paired-box protein 7) maintains a population of satellite cells in quiescence and, with Myf5 (Myogenic factor 5), plays a role in the expansion of activated myoblasts. The MyoD protein (Myoblast Determination protein) appears to determine the differentiation potential of activated myoblasts, and cooperates with myogenin and the MEF2 (Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2) protein to control and bring about differentiation. Finally, MRF4 (Muscle-specific Regulatory Factor 4) is required for hypertrophy, even though it probably plays other roles. Quite obviously, these transcription factors do not act alone, but exist in the context of complex signaling cascades which control each step of myogenesis (Knight and Kothary, 2011).

The amount of proteins is determined by first lysing the muscles sampled in a 0.1N NaOH solution with the FastPrep technique. The proteins are quantified by means of a colorimetric assay derived from the Lowry method.

In order to carry out the gene expression analysis, the muscle tissues were homogenized in a Trizol solution (500 μl), and the RNAs were extracted and purified using the phenol/chloroform method. An amount of 1 pg of RNA was used as template for the synthesis of the first cDNA strand using oligo (dT)s as primers and the AMV reverse transcriptase enzyme as described by the supplier (Applied Biosystems 4368814). The q-PCRs were then carried out using a 7900HT machine equipped with a rapid system for real-time detection by PCR (Applied Biosystems) and the standard qPCR program (1 cycle of 95° C. for 15 min, 40 cycles of 95° C. for 15 s and 60° C. for 1 min, a 60-95° C. melt curve for the Sybergreen probes). The experiments are carried out in a Sybergreen SYBR master mix (Applied Biosystems) containing the 100 ng cDNA samples and a set of primers which bind to the two different exons and at a final concentration of 200 nM.

The relative differences in gene expression between treatments are expressed as increase or decrease in the number of cycle times [Ct] compared with the control group, the [Ct] value of each gene having been standardized with the beta-actin gene.

Oral Pharmacokinetic Study of the Molecules in Rats

The pharmacokinetics of the compounds were evaluated orally using male Wistar rats (Charles River). The 20E as comparative compound was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg of body weight. The novel compounds according to the invention were administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight in the form of a mixture of 4 to 6 products. After administration, the blood was sampled from the tail at t=0.25 h, 0.5 h, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 8 h. The blood samples were centrifuged and the plasmas removed. The assaying of the plasma samples made it possible to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters, namely the C_(max), which corresponds to the maximum concentration observed after the administration of the molecule, the T_(max), which is the time required to reach the maximum concentration after administration of the molecule, and the AUC: area under the curve composed of the various concentrations of compounds at the various sampling times.

Results

The Effects on Myostatin Expression

TABLE 4 effects on myostatin expression. The results are expressed as percentage myostatin gene expression in the cells in contact with the compounds related to the expression in the control cells. A represents a percentage of less than 70%, B represents a percentage between 71% and 85%. Compounds are tested at a concentration of 10 μM. Myostatin Number gene expression 4 A 5 A 7 A 19 B 21 A 23 B 25 A 27 A 28 A 29 A 30 B 31 A 32 A 33 A 35 B 36 B 37 B 38 A 41 A 43 A 46 A 47 A 48 B 51 A 52 A 53 A 54 A 56 B 57 B 60 B 62 A 63 A 64 A 65 A 67 A 68 A 71 A 73 B 75 A 76 A 79 A 81 A 83 B 85 B 86 A 88 B 89 A 91 B 92 A 93 A 94 A 99 A 101 A

The following 38 compounds: 4, 5, 7, 21, 25, 27 to 29, 31 to 33, 38, 41, 43, 46, 47, 51 to 54, 62 to 65, 67, 68, 71, 75, 76, 79, 81, 86, 89, 92 to 94, 99 and 101 very significantly inhibit myostatin expression in muscle cells.

The following 15 compounds: 19, 23, 30, 35 to 37, 48, 56, 57, 60, 73, 83, 85, 88 and 91 significantly inhibit myostatin expression in muscle cells.

The Effects on Protein Synthesis Via S6K1 Phosphorylation

TABLE 5 effects on protein synthesis. The results are expressed as percentage increase in S6K phosphorylation in muscle cells. A represents values greater than 130%, B represents values of between 110% and 129%. The compounds are tested at a concentration of 10 μM. Number Protein synthesis 28 A 32 B 41 B 42 A 43 B 46 B 51 B 52 B 62 A 63 B 67 A 76 B 81 B 86 A 88 B 89 A 91 B 92 B 93 A 94 A

The following 8 compounds: 28, 42, 62, 67, 86, 89, 93 and 94 very significantly stimulate S6Ka phosphorylation at levels equivalent to IGF-1 (130-140%).

The following 12 compounds: 32, 41, 43, 46, 51, 52, 63, 76, 81, 88, 91 and 92 significantly stimulate S6K1 phosphorylation at levels equivalent to that of 20E (120%).

Study of the Molecules in a Model of Mice Subjected to a High-Fat Diet

The in vivo study is carried out by evaluating the effect of 20E as comparative compound and of the molecules according to the invention (Nos. 51 and 93) administered orally, at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight, to C57BL/6 mice subjected to a high-fat diet for 6 weeks. The effect of the molecules on the weight and the amount of proteins of the Soleus muscle and also the transcripts of genes involved in myogenesis were evaluated.

The effects of 20E as comparative compound and of the compounds according to the invention Nos. 51 and 93 on the weight of the muscle are illustrated in FIG. 3A and the effects of 20E and of the compounds Nos. 51 and 93 on the amount of proteins of the Soleus muscle are illustrated in FIG. 3B.

All three of the 20E and the compounds administered at 5 mg/kg induce increases in the weight and in the amount of proteins of the Soleus muscle compared with the control group. The compounds in accordance with the invention show just as high an effectiveness as that of 20E. A significant increase in the protein content is even noted with compound No. 93.

The effects of 20E as comparative compound and of the administered compounds according to the invention No. 51 and No. 93, on the myostatin transcript of the Soleus muscle, are illustrated in FIG. 4.

The 20E and the compounds Nos. 51 and 93 comparably inhibit myostatin expression in the Soleus muscle. These molecules also inhibited the myostatin transcript in the in vitro studies in the C2C12 cell lines as presented in table 4 above.

The effects of the 20E as comparative compound and of the compounds according to the invention Nos. 51 and 93 on the transcripts of MyoD and of myogenin, which are genes involved in Soleus muscle myogenesis, are respectively illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The 20E and compounds Nos. 51 and 93 induce an increase in the transcripts of the MyoD gene which determines the differentiation potential and the Myf5 gene involved in the proliferation of myocytes. They also induce an increase in the transcript of the myogenin gene involved in the early differentiation of the myocytes.

Pharmacokinetic Study of the Molecules in Rats

The pharmacokinetics of 20E and of compounds according to the invention were evaluated in rats by oral administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg in the case of the compounds and 50 mg/kg in the case of 20E.

TABLE 6 principal pharmacokinetic parameters (T_(max); C_(max) and AUC) of the 20E and of the compounds tested in Wistar rats Dose T_(max) C_(max) AUC Compound (mg/kg) (h) (ng/ml) (ng · h/ml) Cexp  20E 50 0.5 68 382 1.0 31 10 0.25 105 281 3.7 46 10 0.25 40 202 2.6 51 10 0.25 174 273 3.6 93 10 0.5 230 785 10.3

Taking into account the 20E dose which is 5 times higher (50 mg/kg) compared with that of the compounds according to the invention (10 mg/kg), the coefficient of exposure Cexp [Cexp=(Dose_(20E) 'AUC_(compound)): (Dose_(compound)×AUC_(20E))] demonstrates the improvement in the pharmacokinetic profile of all compounds tested compared with 20E. Thus, this study in rats shows that compounds Nos. 31; 46; 51 and 93 have a better plasma exposure compared with 20E.

Overview

The table illustrated in FIG. 6 sets out the results obtained for compounds of the present invention during the experiments in which the myostatin gene expression and the protein synthesis were analyzed.

With regard to the myostatin gene expression, the results were expressed as percentage myostatin gene expression in the cells in contact with the compounds related to the expression in the control cells. A represents a percentage of less than 70%, B represents a percentage of between 71% and 85%.

With regard to the protein synthesis analysis, the results are expressed as percentage increase in S6K phosphorylation in the muscle cells. A represents values greater than 130%, B represents values of between 110% and 129%.

TABLE 7 overview regarding the results illustrated in FIG. 6 Number of examples Number of with a examples with a protein Number of Number of myostatin gene synthesis the best the best expression category compounds compounds Q category A A/B AA AB C═NOR⁵ 12 1/1 28 32 CHNR²R³ 19 3/7 62 and 67 41, 43, 46, 51, 63 and 76 Carbonyl 6 4/4 86, 89, 93 81 and 92 and 94 CHOH 1

The most attractive products are of category AA or AB, namely of category A in terms of their gene expression on myostatin combined with a category A or B in terms of protein synthesis.

LITERATURE

-   Arounleut P, Bialek P, Liang L F, et al. 2013. A myostatin inhibitor     (propeptide-Fc) increases muscle mass and muscle fiber size in aged     mice but does not increase bone density or bone strength. Exper     Gerontol 48:898-904. -   Aubertin-Leheudre M, Lord C, Khalil A, Dionne I J. 2007. Six months     of isoflavone supplement increases fat-free mass in obese-sarcopenic     postmenopausal women: a randomized double-blind controlled trial.     Eur J Clin Nutr 61:1442-1444. -   Aussel C, Woelffle E, Lemoigne P, Depailler L, Bouillanne O. 2013.     Une nouvelle strategie nutritionnelle pour lutter contre la     denutrition et la sarcopenie: le regime proteique pulsé [A novel     nutritional strategy for combating undernutritionment and     sarcopenia: the pulsed protein diet]. Cahiers Nutrition Dietetique     48:33-40. -   Azizov A P, Seifulla R D, Ankudinova I A, Kondrat'eva II, Borisova     I G. 1998. Effect of the antioxidants elton and leveton on the     physical work capacity of athletes. Eksp Klin Farmakol 61(1):60-62. -   Baptista I L, Leal M L, Artioli G G, et al. 2010. Leucine attenuates     skeletal muscle wasting via inhibition of ubiquitin ligases. Muscle     Nerve 41(6):800-808. -   Báthori M, Tóth N, Hunyadi A, Márki A, Zador E. (2008).     Phytoecdysteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids—Structure and     effects on Humans. Current Medicinal Chemistry 15:75-91. -   Bennett B T, Mohamed J S, Alway S E. 2013. Effects of resveratrol on     the recovery of muscle mass following disuse in the plantaris muscle     of aged rats. PLoS One 8(12):e83518. -   Boirie Y, Gachon P, Beaufrere B. 1997. Splanchnic and whole body     leucine kinetics in young and elderly men. Am J Clin Nutr.     65:489-495. -   Bonnefoy M, Constans T, Ferry M. 2000. Dénutrition du sujet âgé.     Influence de la nutrition et de l'activité physique sur le muscle au     grand âge [Undernutritionment in the elderly. Influence of nutrition     and physical activity on muscle in old age]. Presse Med     29:2177-2182. -   Bonnefoy M. 2008. Interventions pour restaurer la masse musculaire     chez le sujet âge [Interventions for restoring muscle mass in the     elderly]. Nutr Clin Metab 22:80-83. -   Buehring B, Binkley N. 2013. Myostatin—the holy grail for muscle,     bone, and fat? Curr Osteoporos Rep 11(4):407-414. -   Castan-Laurell I, Dray C, Knauf C, Kunduzova O, Valet P. 2012.     Apelin, a promising target for type 2 diabetes treatment? Trends     Endocrinol Metab 23(5):234-241. -   Chermnykh N S, Shimanovsky N L, Shutko G V, Syrov V N. 1988. Effects     of methandrostenolone and ecdysterone on physical endurance of     animals and protein metabolism in the skeletal muscles.     Farmakologiya i Toksikologiya 6: 57-62. -   Coëffier M, Petit A, Dechelotte P. 2009. Quelle pharmaconutrition     pour lutter contre la sarcopenie? [Which pharmaconutrition for     combating sarcopenia?] Nutrition Clinique Metabolisme 23:76-79. -   Collins-Hooper H, Sartori R, Macharia R, et al. 2014.     Propeptide-mediated inhibition of myostatin increases muscle mass     through inhibiting proteolytic pathways in aged mice. J Gerontol A     Biol Sci Med Sci, doi:10.1093/gerona/gh170. -   Crenn P. 2013. Sarcopénie et cachexie: approche médicamenteuse     [Sarcopenia and cachexia: a drug approach]. Nutrition Clinique     Metabolisme 27:69-73. -   de Jager N, Hudson N J, Reverter A, et al. 2011. Chronic exposure to     anabolic steroids induces the muscle expression of oxytocin and a     more than fiftyfold increase in circulating oxytocin in cattle.     Physiol Genomics 43:467-478. -   Dumonceaux J, Marie S, Beley C, Trollet C, Vignaud A, Ferry A,     Butler-Browne G, Garcia L. 2010. Combination of myostatin pathway     interference and dystrophin rescue enhances tetanic and specific     force in dystrophic mdx mice. Mol Ther 18(5): 881-887. -   Fiatarone M A, Marks E C, Ryan N D, Meredith C N, Lipsitz L A, Evans     W J. 1990. High-intensity strength training in nonagerians. JAMA     263: 3029-3034. -   Foucault A S, Mathé V, Lafont R, Even P, Dioh W, Veillet S, Tomé D,     Huneau D, Hermier D, Quignard-Boulangé A. 2012. Quinoa extract     enriched in 20-hydroxyecdysone protects mice from diet-induced     obesity and modulates adipokines expression. Obesity 20:270-277. -   Foucault A S, Dioh W, Lafont R, Veillet S, Tomé D, Quignard-Boulangé     A, Clément K, Rizkalla S. 2014. 20-Hydroxyecdysone increases android     fat mass loss with no significant effect on muscle mass loss during     a weight loss program in obese and overweight subjects. ICFSR 2014     International Conference of Frailty and Sarcopenia Research,     Barcelona, Mar. 12-14, 2014. -   Gadzhieva R M, Portugalov S N, Paniushkin V V, Kondrat'eva     I I. 1995. A comparative study of the anabolic action of ecdysten,     leveton and Prime Plus, preparations of plant origin. Eksp Klin     Farmakologiya 58(5): 46-48. -   Gilson H, Schakman O, Combaret L, et al. 2007. Myostatin gene     deletion prevents glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy.     Endocrinology 148:452-460. -   Gorelick-Feldman J, MacLean D, Ilic N, Poulev A, Lila M A,     Raskin I. 2008. Phytoecdysteroids increase protein synthesis in     skeletal muscle cells. J. Agric. Food Chem. 56: 3532-3537. -   Gorelick-Feldman J, Cohick W, Raskin I. 2010. Ecdysteroids elicit a     rapid Ca²⁺ flux leading to Akt activation and increased protein     synthesis in skeletal muscle cells. Steroids 70: 632-637. -   Greenberg S A. 2012. Pathogenesis and therapy of inclusion body     myositis. Curr Opin Neurol 25(5): 630-639. -   Han H Q, Mitch W E. 2011. Targeting the myostatin signaling pathway     to treat muscle wasting diseases. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care     5(4):334-341. -   Hung T J, Chen W M, Liu S F, et al. 2012. 20-Hydroxyecdysone     attenuates TGF-β1-induced renal cellular fibrosis in proximal tubule     cells. J Diabetes Complications 26(6):463-469. -   Kazi A A, Lang C H 2010. PRAS40 Regulates Protein Synthesis and Cell     Cycle in C2C12 Myoblasts Mol Med. 16(9-10):359-371. -   Kizelsztein P, Govorko D, Komarnytsky S, Evans A, Wang Z, Cefalu W     T, Raskin I. 2009. 20-Hydroxyecdysone decreases weight and     hyperglycemia in a diet-induced obesity mice model. Am. J. Physiol.     Endocrinol. Metab. 296:E433-E439. -   Knight J D R, Kothary R. 2011. The myogenic kinome: protein kinases     critical tomammalian skeletal myogenesis Skeletal Muscle, 1:29,     www.skeletalmusclejournal.com/content/1/1/29 -   Lafont R, Clément K, Rizkalla S, Foucault A S, Veillet S, Dioh W.     2013 Phytoecdysones for use in weight stabilization after a     weight-loss diet. PCT patent application WO 2013/068704 -   Lafont R, Harmatha J, Marion-Poll F, Dinan L, Wilson I D. 2002.     Ecdybase, a free ecdysteroid database. ecdybase.org -   Larock R C. 1989. Comprehensive organic transformations: A guide to     functional group preparations. VCH Publishers, New York. -   Lawrence M M. 2012. Ajuga turkestanica as a countermeasure against     sarcopenia and dynapenia. Ms thesis, Appalachian State University. -   Le Grand F, Rudnicki M A. 2007. Skeletal muscle satellite cells and     adult myogenesis. Curr Opin Cell Biol, 19:628-633. -   Léger B, Derave W, De Bock K; Hespel P, Russell A P. 2008. Human     sarcopenial reveals an increase in SOCS-3 and myostatin and a     reduced efficiency of Akt phosphorylation. Rejuvenation Res     11(1):163-175. -   Li Z, Heber D. 2011. Sarcopenic obesity in the elderly and     strategies for weight management. Nutrition Reviews 70(1):57-64. -   Li Z B, Kollias H D, Wagner K R. 2008. Myostatin directly regulates     skeletal muscle fibrosis. J. Biol. Chem. 283(28):19371-19378. -   Little J P, Phillips S M. 2009. Resistance exercise and nutrition to     counteract muscle wasting. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 34:817-828. -   Liu W, Thomas S G, Asa S L, et al. 2003. Myostatin is a skeletal     muscle target of growth hormone anabolic action. J Clin Endocr Metab     88(11):5490-5496. -   Macell T J, Harman S M, Urban R J, et al. 2001. Comparison of G H,     IGF-I, and testosterone with mRNA of receptors and myostatin in     skeletal muscle in older men. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 281:     E1159-E1164. -   Murad M H, Elamin K B, Abu Elnour N O, et al. 2011. Clinical review:     the effect of vitamin D on falls: a systematic review and     meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 96(10):2997-3006. -   Murphy K T, Koopman R, Naim T, et al. 2010. Antibody-directed     myostatin inhibition in 21-mo-old mice reveals novel roles for     myostatin signaling in skeletal muscle structure and function. FASEB     J 24:4433-4442. -   Pierno S, Tricarico D, Liantonio A, et al. 2014. An olive     oil-derived antioxidant mixture ameliorates the age-related decline     of skeletal muscle function. AGE 36:73-88. -   Quillot D, Böhme P, Malgras P, Malgras A, Ziegler 0. 2013. L'obésité     du sujet âgé [Obesity in the elderly]. Nutr Clin Métabolisme     27:95-101. -   Ryall J G, Plant D R, Gregorevic P, Silence M N, Lynch G S. 2004.     ß2-Agonist administration reverses muscle wasting and improves     muscle function in aged rats. J Physiol 555(1):175-188. -   Ryall J G, Church J E, Lynch G S. 2007. A novel role of     ß-adrenoreceptor signalling in skeletal muscle growth, development     and regeneration. Proc Australian Physiol Soc 40:103-108. -   Ryan A S, Li G, Blumenthal J B, Ortmeyer H K. 2013. Aerobic     exercise+weight loss decreases skeletal muscle myostatin expression     and improves insulin sensitivity in older adults. Obesity 21(7):     1350-1356. -   Sabourin L A, Rudnicki M A. 2000. The molecular regulation of     myogenesis. Clin Genet 57:16-25. Saini A, Faulkner S, A L-Shanti N,     Stewart C. 2009. Powerful signals for weak muscles. Ageing Res Rev     8:251-267. -   Sakuma K, Yamaguchi A. 2012. Sarcopenia and age-related endocrine     function. Int J Endocrinol, doi:10.1155/2012/127362. -   Sattler F R. 2013. Growth hormone in the aging male. Best Practice     Res Clin Endocr Metab 27:541-555. -   Schaap L A, Pluijm S M F, Deeg D J H, et al. 2009. Higher     inflammatory marker levels in older persons: associations with     5-year change in muscle mass and muscle strength. J Gerontol A Biol     Sci Med Sci 64A(11):1183-1189. -   Seidlova-Wuttke D, Erhardt C, Wuttke W. 2010. Metabolic effects of     20-OH ecdysone in ovariectomized rats. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol     119:121-126. -   Seidman S N. 2007. Androgens and the aging male. Psychopharmacol     Bull 40:205-218. -   Shadfar S, Couch M E, McKinney K A, et al. 2011. Oral resveratrol     therapy inhibits cancer-induced skeletal muscle and cardiac atrophy     in vivo. Nutr Cancer 63(5):749-762. -   Simakin S Yu, Panyushkin V V, Portugalov S N, Kostina L V,     Martisorov E G. 1988. Combined application of preparation Ecdysten     and product Bodrost during training in cyclic sports. Sports Science     Bulletin No 2, 29-31. -   Stenholm S, Alley D, Bandinelli S, et al. 2009. The effect of     obesity combined with low muscle strength on decline in mobility in     older persons: results from the InCHIANTI study. Int J Obesity     33:635-644. -   Syrov V N. 2000. Comparative experimental investigations of the     anabolic activity of ecdysteroids and steranabols. Pharm Chem     Journal 34(4):193-197. -   Syrov V N, Saatov V, Sagdullaev ShSh, Mamatkhanov A U. (2001). Study     of the structure—anabolic activity relationship for the     phytoecdysteroids extracted from some plants of central Asia.     Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal 35: 667-671. -   Tchoukouegno Ngueu S. 2013. Estrogenic, cytotoxic and anabolic     effects on estrogen target organs of an extract of Erythrina excelsa     and ecdysterone. PhD thesis, German Sports University of Cologne. -   Tisdale M J. 2001. Facteurs lipolytiques et protéolytiques de la     cachexie cancéreuse [Lipolytic and proteolytic factors of     cancer-related cachexia]. Nutr Clin Métabol 15:266-272. -   Todorov I N, Mitrokhin Yul, Efremova O I, Sidorenko L I. 2000. The     effect of ecdysterone on the biosynthesis of proteins and nucleic     acids in mice. Pharmaceut Chem J 34(9):455-458. -   Tóth N, Szabó A, Kacsala P, Héger J, Zádor E. 2008.     20-Hydroxyecdysone increases fiber size in a muscle-specific fashion     in rat. Phytomedicine 15:691-698. -   Verghese J, Holtzer R, Oh-Park M, et al. 2011. Inflammatory markers     and gait speed decline in older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med     Sci 66A:1083-1089. -   Walston J D. 2012. Sarcopenia in older adults. Curr. Opinion     Rheumatol. 24:623-627. -   White J P, Gao S, Puppa M J, et al. 2013. Testosterone regulation of     Akt/mTORC1/FoxO3a signaling in skeletal muscle. Mol Cell Endocrinol     365:174-186. -   White T A, LeBrasseur, N K. 2014. Myostatin and sarcopenia:     opportunities and challenges—a mini-review. Gerontology,     doi:10.1159/000356740. -   Wuttke W, Seidlová-Wuttke D. 2013. Pflanzliche Präparate für die     Therapie klimaterischer und postmenopausaler Beschwerden und     Erkrankungen. Frauenartz 54:580-587. -   Zhao J, Brault J J, Schild A, Goldberg A L. 2008. Coordinate     activation of autophagy and the proteasome pathway by FoxO     transcription factor. Autophagy 4(3):378-380. -   Zhu W M, Zhu H J, Tian W S, Hao X J, Pittman Jr C U. 2002. The     selective dehydroxylation of 20-hydroxyecdysone by Zn powder and     anhydrous acetic acid. Synthetic Communications 32:1385-1391. -   Zubeldia J M, Hernández-Santana A, Jiménez-de-Rio M, et al. 2012. In     vitro characterization of the efficacy and safety profile of a     proprietary Ajuga turkestanica extract. Chinese Medicine 3:215-222. 

1. A compound of general formula (I) below:

wherein: V-U is a carbon-carbon single bond and Y is a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen, or V—U is a C═C ethylenic bond; X is chosen from: an oxygen, an N—OR⁵ group, R⁵ then being chosen from: a hydrogen; a C₁-C₆ alkyl group optionally having unsaturations on the chain; a (C₁-C₆)CO₂R⁶ group with R⁶ possibly being a hydrogen or a C₁-C₆ group; a (C₁-C₆)OR⁷ group, R⁷ being an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring optionally monosubstituted or polysubstituted with an alkyl or alkoxyl group, CF₃, Cl; a (C₁-C₆)NR⁸R⁹ group, R⁸ and R⁹ being C₁-C₆ groups, or (C₁-C₆)N(C₁-C₆) groups or (C₁-C₆)N(C₁-C₆)OR⁶ groups with R⁶ as defined above, NR⁸R⁹ can also be a heterocycle; and wherein: Q is chosen from: a C═NOR⁵ group, R⁵ being defined as above; a CHNR²R³ group, with R¹ being a (C₁-C₆) alkyl group; with R² and R³, which may be identical or different, each chosen from: a hydrogen atom; a (C₁-C₆) alkyl group; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; a cycloalkyl group; a (C₁-C₆)CHF₂ group; a (C₁-C₆)A group with A representing a heterocycle defined as above; a group of COR⁴ type, R⁴ being chosen from: an optionally unsaturated (C₁-C₆) alkyl or cycloalkyl group; a heterocyclic group of A type as defined above, an aromatic or heteroaromatic group optionally substituted with a group of the type OH, OMe, (C₁-C₆), N(C₁-C₆), CO₂(C₁-C₆), CF₃, OCF₃, CN, Cl, F; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; W being a heteroatom chosen from N, O and S; and the compound being in the form of an enantiomer, a diastereoisomer, a hydrate, a solvate, a tautomer, a racemic mixture or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 2. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in formula (I), Q represents a C═NOR⁵ group.
 3. The compound as claimed in claim 2, wherein, in formula (I): X is an oxygen; V-U is a carbon-carbon single bond; Y is a hydroxyl group; and R¹ is a methyl group.
 4. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in formula (I), Q represents a CHNR²R³ group, with R² and R³, which may be identical or different, each being chosen from: a hydrogen atom; a (C₁-C₆) alkyl group; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group; a cycloalkyl group; a (C₁-C₆)CHF₂ group; a (C₁-C₆)A group with A representing a heterocycle defined as above; a group of COR⁴ type, R⁴ being chosen from: an optionally unsaturated (C₁-C₆) alkyl or cycloalkyl group; a heterocyclic group of A type as defined above, an aromatic or heteroaromatic group optionally substituted with a group of the type OH, OMe, (C₁-C₆), N(C₁-C₆), CO₂(C₁-C₆), CF₃, OCF₃, CN, Cl, F; a (C₁-C₆)W(C₁-C₆) group.
 5. The compound as claimed in claim 4, wherein, in formula (I): X is an oxygen; V-U is a carbon-carbon single bond; Y is a hydroxyl group; R¹ is a methyl group; and W is a heteroatom chosen from N, O and S.
 6. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in formula (I), V—U is a C═C ethylenic bond.
 7. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in formula (I), X is an N—OR⁵ group.
 8. The compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, chosen from the following compounds: No. 28: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-but-3-enoxy-C-methyl-carbonimidoyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one; No. 32: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-(N-(2-diethylaminoethoxy)-C-methyl-carbonimidoyl)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one; No. 41: 2-methoxy-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetamide; No. 42: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2-methoxyethylamino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one; No. 43: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-[1-(3-pyridylmethylamino)ethyl]-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one; No. 46: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-17-[1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethylamino)ethyl]-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one; No. 51: 2-ethyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]butanamide; No. 62: 2-methoxy-N-(tetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]acetamide; No. 63: N-(tetratetrahydrofuran-2-ylmethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2-carboxamide; No. 67: N-(2,2-difluoroethyl)-N-[1-[(2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]ethyl]furan-2-carboxamide; and No. 76: (2S,3R,5R,10R,13R,14S,17S)-2,3,14-trihydroxy-17-[1-(2-methoxyethyl(methyl)amino)ethyl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,9,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-6-one.
 9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound as claimed in claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 10. A method of treating sarcopenia and associated complications or pathological conditions thereof using the chemical compound as claimed in claim
 1. 11. The method as claimed in claim 10 for treating loss of strength, loss of muscle mass, loss of physical performance and capacity, and loss of mobility in mammals.
 12. A method of treating sarcopenic obesity and associated complications or pathological conditions thereof using the chemical compound as claimed in claim
 1. 13. The method as claimed in claim 12 for treating loss of strength, loss of muscle mass, loss of physical performance and capacity, and loss of mobility in mammals, such as loss of strength, of muscle mass, of physical performance and capacity and of mobility in mammals.
 14. A method of treating obesity and associated complications or pathological conditions thereof using the chemical compound as claimed in claim
 1. 15. The method as claimed in claim 14 method for treating type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome in mammals. 